As of 2021, Cyprus has approximately 10,000 refugees and asylum seekers.
So let’s take a deeper look
Cyprus is a country that has been affected by the refugee crisis, with thousands of people fleeing conflict and persecution in their home countries. As of 2021, Cyprus has approximately 10,000 refugees and asylum seekers.
According to UNHCR, the refugees in Cyprus come primarily from Syria (46%), Somalia (16%), and Afghanistan (8%). While some refugees have been able to rebuild their lives in Cyprus, others face significant challenges, including limited access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
As famous human rights advocate Malala Yousafzai once said, “Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” This quote highlights the importance of education in helping refugees build a better future for themselves.
Here are some additional interesting facts about refugees in Cyprus:
- Many refugees in Cyprus are housed in overcrowded reception centers, which can lead to safety concerns and health problems.
- Some refugees in Cyprus have faced discrimination and xenophobia.
- Cyprus has implemented laws and policies to address the refugee crisis and integrate refugees into society, including providing access to education and healthcare.
- While the number of refugees in Cyprus is relatively small compared to other countries, the crisis still has a significant impact on the country and its people.
Here is a table breaking down the country of origin for refugees in Cyprus:
| Country of Origin | Percentage of Refugees |
|---|---|
| Syria | 46% |
| Somalia | 16% |
| Afghanistan | 8% |
| Iraq | 7% |
| Iran | 4% |
| Other | 19% |
Some further responses to your query
Today, the island is the European state that hosts the largest number of refugees proportionally: 13,259 out of a total of 850,000 inhabitants, about 4% of the total population.
13,518
13,518 asylum applications by refugees were received in 2021 in Cyprus — according to UNHCR.
13,518 asylum applications by refugees were received in 2021 in Cyprus — according to UNHCR.
In this video, you may find the answer to “How many refugees does Cyprus have?”
Cyprus has the highest number of asylum seekers per capita of any European Union member state, leaving the overwhelmed asylum system struggling to provide appropriate support for refugees and asylum seekers. Shortage of jobs, meager welfare coupons, and a complex asylum system make it difficult for asylum seekers to integrate into society; many are left waiting for years. Turkish authorities are pushing people across the Green Line to Cyprus, and the government is criticized for not doing enough to alleviate the crisis. The need for Europe to help resolve the issue is emphasized.
More interesting questions on the topic
How many migrants live in Cyprus?
The response is: In addition, asylum procedures can also be closed, if the applicant disappeared or withdrew the application. In 2020 a total of 190,366 migrants lived in Cyprus, representing about 0 percent of the total population. These are all residents who live permanently in the country but were born in another country.
How many asylum applications are received in Cyprus in 2021?
The reply will be: 13,518 asylum applications by refugees were received in 2021 in Cyprus — according to UNHCR. Most of them came from Syria, Congo (Dem. Republic) and from Nigeria. A total of 10,230 decisions have been made on initial applications. Around 3% of them were answered positively. 97 percent of asylum applications have been rejected in the first instance.
How many Cyprus TCNs have a permanent residency permit?
In reply to that: In 2018, according to Cyprus Civil Registry and Migration Department, 22.5% of TCNs had a permanent residency permit, 8.6% were asylum seekers, and the rest held some form of temporary residence permit (related to employment, studies, family reunification and more).
How many internally displaced people are there in Cyprus?
Answer: In addition, there are 228,000 internally displaced persons (2019), victims mainly of the conflict and violence that followed the occupation of the northern part of the island in 1974 by Turkish troops; the clashes caused a mass displacement of Greek Cypriots to the south and Turkish Cypriots to the north.
How many migrants live in Cyprus?
As a response to this: In addition, asylum procedures can also be closed, if the applicant disappeared or withdrew the application. In 2020 a total of 190,366 migrants lived in Cyprus, representing about 0 percent of the total population. These are all residents who live permanently in the country but were born in another country.
How many people have applied for asylum in Cyprus?
More than 700 people have filed an application for asylum in Cyprus since the start of the year, according to a report in the Cypriot daily Phileleftheros on Wednesday, January 19. Last year, the Greek-administered part of the island received close to 13,500 asylum applications, according to the Phileleftheros.
How many internally displaced people are there in Cyprus?
In addition, there are 228,000 internally displaced persons (2019), victims mainly of the conflict and violence that followed the occupation of the northern part of the island in 1974 by Turkish troops; the clashes caused a mass displacement of Greek Cypriots to the south and Turkish Cypriots to the north.
Is Cyprus facing a’migration crisis’?
The island nation, which has seen a spike in irregular arrivals in recent years, says it is encountering a "migration crisis", propelled by Turkey. More than 700 people have filed an application for asylum in Cyprus since the start of the year, according to a report in the Cypriot daily Phileleftheros on Wednesday, January 19.