Press Releases

I would like to welcome you to Cyprus and to the proceedings of the second meeting of the European Commission's High-Level Network on Returns.

First of all, allow me to congratulate the European Commission on this initiative, and in particular the Commissioner, Mrs Ylva Johansson, responsible for setting up this important Network, and to warmly congratulate you, Mari on your appointment as the first coordinator.    

I believe that the Network will greatly contribute to coordinating the effort, between the Member States and the relevant EU agencies, for effective, sustainable, and safe returns of third-country nationals to their countries of origin, which is a priority for the entire Union.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The challenges in migration are before us. Unfortunately, in Cyprus, we struggle daily with these numbers, and the management of the ever-increasing arrivals of irregular migrants is extremely difficult.

From January to October 2022, asylum applications have risen to 18,345. Altogether, asylum seekers and beneficiaries of protection status have reached more than 6% of the population of the Republic of Cyprus.

Unfortunately, the particularity of Cyprus, having 37% of our territory occupied by Turkey, and the existence of the green line which is not our external border, makes us a particular case among the Member States. The green line, which you will have the opportunity to visit tomorrow, you will find that, despite the efforts and measures that have been taken, continues to be our Achilles' heel, but also the tool used for the instrumentalization of migrants from Turkey, with their daily channeling from the occupied to the areas controlled by the Republic. This is clearly established, as 95% of irregular migrants cross the green line constantly and illegally.

These figures confirm our position on the instrumentalization of migration by Turkey, but also our insistence on the need to stem the migrant flows with deterrent means on the ground.

Our second priority in this effort to relieve the country from the excessively increased flows focuses on a continuous effort to increase returns by own means, but at the same time on the conclusion of agreements with both Member States and third countries, with emphasis on the voluntary return program with financial incentives.

The rates of returns compared to arrivals, are unfortunately disproportionate.

Nevertheless, with a number of third countries, we seem to have succeeded in overcoming bureaucratic procedures and we have managed to return a significant number of immigrants.

In 2022, we created the Returns Office, an innovative initiative of the Ministry of Interior, which coordinates the competent services of the state, such as the Civil Registry and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior, the Aliens and Immigration Service of the Police and the Asylum Service, as well as the European agencies Frontex and Europol. It is the point of contact on return issues both with the EU itself, but also with third countries.

As a result of this coordinated action, Cyprus is currently in first place in return numbers among the Member States, in proportion of population. During 2022 we have returned almost 7000 persons, accounting 40% compared to arrivals, as opposed to 17% of last year.  A rate which clearly satisfies us.  We have also succeeded in sharply increasing, assisted voluntary returns, compared to forced returns, with their rate for this year reaching 87%. And I am certain, that Cyprus' participation in the European Commission's Returns Network will further contribute to strengthening our efforts.

These returns have been achieved thanks to our enormous efforts to conclude agreements and Memoranda for the first time with countries such as India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Vietnam, while an agreement with Congo is in its final stages.  In this effort, Frontex and the European Commission have been our great supporters and partners, whom I would like to warmly thank.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am certain that the Network on Returns, which is yet another initiative as well as proof of the European Commission's willingness to support and assist Member States in this area, will make a decisive contribution to ensuring that the return process is not a negligible proportion compared to arrivals, but an important parameter in discouraging irregular arrivals both for migrants and smugglers.

As Commissioner Ylva Johansson said at the Network's first meeting, "Our failure to get a grip on returns undermines the legitimacy of our asylum system". And I fully agree on that.

It is for this reason that we insist on our position on the need to manage returns and readmissions in a centralized manner, under the operational coordination of the Commission itself. It is our conviction that this Network is the first important step in this direction.

With this, allow me to conclude my intervention. I welcome you all to this venue, here in Cyprus, and I thank you all for your participation.  I wish you a happy stay on our beautiful island.

I am confident that the proceedings of this session will help to achieve the common goal of more efficient return processes.

[Statement will follow]

(ΕFys)