Yes, Cyprus does accept refugees.
So let us dig a little deeper
Yes, Cyprus does accept refugees. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, there are currently over 18,000 refugees in Cyprus, with the majority coming from Syria, Iraq, and other conflict-ridden countries in the Middle East and Africa.
Cyprus is a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, which means it has a legal obligation to protect refugees and grant them certain rights and protections. However, like many other countries, Cyprus has struggled to accommodate the high number of refugees it has received in recent years. Despite this, the country has taken steps to improve its refugee processing system and provide better living conditions for refugees.
In 2020, the government of Cyprus passed a new asylum law aimed at streamlining the process for asylum seekers and reducing the backlog of applications. The law also includes provisions for better oversight and monitoring of reception centers, where many refugees are initially housed while their applications are being processed.
One interesting fact about Cyprus and refugees is that the country has a long history of hosting refugees fleeing conflict and persecution. During the 1970s and 80s, Cyprus provided a safe haven for thousands of refugees from Lebanon, Vietnam, and other countries. In fact, the island of Cyprus was the site of a major refugee camp for Vietnamese boat people in the late 1970s.
Another interesting fact is that Cyprus has become a major hub for migrants and refugees attempting to reach Europe via the Mediterranean. The country’s location puts it in close proximity to both the Middle East and North Africa, making it an attractive destination for those seeking safety and asylum in Europe. However, this has also put a strain on Cyprus’ already-stretched resources and infrastructure.
To summarize, while Cyprus does accept refugees, the country faces many challenges in accommodating and processing the high number of asylum seekers that it receives. However, the government and various NGOs are working to improve the situation and ensure that refugees are given the support and protection they need.
| Cyprus and Refugees |
|———–|———|
| Number of refugees in Cyprus | 18,000+ |
| Majority of refugees coming from | Syria, Iraq, and other conflict-ridden countries in the Middle East and Africa |
| Cyprus is a signatory to | the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol |
| Cyprus’ refugee processing system | has been updated with a new asylum law in 2020 |
| Cyprus has a long history of | hosting refugees from conflict and persecution |
| Cyprus’: location has made it a major hub | for migrants and refugees attempting to reach Europe via the Mediterranean |
Video response to “Do Cyprus accept refugees?”
Cyprus has seen a 100% increase in asylum applications, with over 20,000 applications registered in 2022, almost double that of the previous year. The living conditions at the Pournara camp for asylum seekers in southern Cyprus are described as scandalous, with little accommodation elsewhere, leading to asylum seekers staying in the camp for months. The government has called on the EU for help, stating that Cyprus cannot cope with the large number of asylum seekers. In Turkish-occupied Northern Cyprus, some people who registered for education ended up becoming refugees because of poor living conditions and financial difficulties.
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Since 2002, Cyprus has received 93,283 asylum applications, 7,036 of them in 2020. This makes Cyprus the leading asylum receiving country per capita among the EU Member States. Persons granted international protection are predominantly from Syria, Palestine, Iraq, Iran and Somalia.
The government of Cyprus also recognizes as refugees the descendants of the original refugees in the male line regardless of place of birth.
In the lead-up to EU accession, the Republic of Cyprus with the technical assistance of UNHCR adopted its first national refugee legislation and asylum procedures in 2000, and in 2002 took over from UNHCR the responsibility for asylum adjudication.
I am confident you will be intrigued
How many Syrian refugees are in Cyprus?
Answer: In Cyprus, more than 12,000 Syrians have sought refuge since 2011 out of whom some 8,500 have been granted international protection, mainly subsidiary protection status (the 96.4%) with the remaining having been accorded refugee status.
How many asylum applications are received in Cyprus in 2021?
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.
Did Cypriot Coast Guard push back refugees from Lebanon?
The response is: (Athens) – Cypriot coast guard forces summarily pushed back, abandoned, expelled, or returned more than 200 migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers coming from Lebanon during the first week of September 2020 without giving them the opportunity to lodge asylum claims, Human Rights Watch said today.
What does UNHCR say about Cypriot refugees?
In an interview published in Kathimerini Cyprus, UNHCR said: UNHCR supports the efforts by Cypriot authorities to return those who are not found to be in need of international protection, but only after a formal and individual assessment of their asylum claim if they seek asylum….
How many Syrian refugees are in Cyprus?
In Cyprus, more than 12,000 Syrians have sought refuge since 2011 out of whom some 8,500 have been granted international protection, mainly subsidiary protection status (the 96.4%) with the remaining having been accorded refugee status.
Can I work in Cyprus if I’m a refugee?
Response to this: According to the Cyprus Refugee Law, once you are recognised as a refugee or granted subsidiary protection, you will have immediate access to employment from the date your status is granted.
How many asylum applications are received in Cyprus in 2021?
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.
Can I enter Cyprus without a visa or entry permit?
Answer: Even if you enter Cyprus without a visa or entry permit, you should not be deported until your refugee application has received a final decision. You have the right to remain in the country while the procedure before the Asylum Service is pending.