The Government of Cyprus to Gain Extended Powers for Migrant Deportations

The Parliament of Cyprus is discussing a new bill that would grant the government extended powers to deport migrants. If passed, foreigners could be stripped of their international protection status if national security interests require it. Authorities would also be able to deny asylum on the same grounds. The new rules will affect migrants who may pose a threat to public safety or have committed criminal offenses.

If the law is approved, authorities will be able to deport such individuals more quickly to their countries of origin, unless a court decides otherwise.

Some responsibilities of the Ministry of Interior will also be transferred to the Ministry of Migration. The Cabinet will gain the authority to restrict the freedom of movement of asylum seekers within the controlled territories and assign them a place of residence.

The Ministry is expected to monitor and analyze the situation in various countries to remove them from the list of unsafe nations. It will track changes related to human rights, with the final decision resting with the Council of Ministers.

The authorities did not conduct public consultations, citing an exception due to national interests and foreign policy. The bill is currently being discussed in the Parliament's Internal Affairs Committee.