-
.
- Ελληνικά
The Minister of Interior, Constantinos Ioannou, briefed the Council of Ministers on the results so far of the measures that have been implemented over the past 11 months in relation to the migration issue.
In a statement after the end of the Council of Ministers meeting, Ioannou said: "Through a holistic approach focused on four pillars, we have been able to reverse the negative picture that our country presented and we are now recording a positive balance. Despite the volatile exogenous factors that can affect the migration data, in 2023 Cyprus has achieved a 46% reduction in irregular migrant applications and at the same time a 66% increase in returns. A significant decrease of 72% was also recorded in the number of new asylum seekers from African countries and a 59% decrease in the number of Green Line arrivals. Detailed data will be sent to you later.
Following the encouraging results of 2023, January 2024 was equally positive. Specifically, in January, 782 persons arrived in Cyprus, the vast majority of them by sea (647 persons, 83%). At the same time, the highest number of persons leaving the country was recorded, amounting to 1,081 persons, who either opted for the voluntary return programme or the resettlement mechanism or were deported.
According to the data for January 2024, the percentage of departures out of arrivals reached 138%.
According to the data for January 2024, the percentage of departures out of arrivals reached 138%. While the other EU Member States record a much lower rate of returns on arrivals - some in the order of 1% - Cyprus, with its targeted policies in place, ranks first at EU level in terms of departures on arrivals and fourth in terms of absolute numbers of returns and deportations.
Furthermore, I would like to mention that at the moment the number of residents in Pournara is around 526, which is the lowest number of residents in many, many years.
For these encouraging results, we received praise from Commissioner Johansson, who called on other countries to follow Cyprus' example, as well as from our European partners and officials of the relevant migration agencies, such as UNHCR and EUAA.
At the same time, however, the increased arrivals by sea are of particular concern. Within 2023, we have seen a 355% increase in arrivals of irregular migrants by sea, the vast majority of whom are of Syrian origin. Tragically, these people are being pushed from Syria and Lebanon by migrant smuggling rings. For this reason, our goal going forward is to strengthen our efforts to fight the traffickers' networks and better monitor the Lebanese coastline.
This issue was discussed at length during Commissioner Johansson's recent visit, to which I conveyed the need for the European Commission to take more active action in the effort to better and more effectively tackle the traffickers' networks. It was agreed that Europol should become more involved, as also provided for in the Eastern Mediterranean Action Plan. At national level, we have proceeded with the establishment of a team in cooperation with the Immigration and Aliens Service of the Cyprus Police, in order to ensure coordination and enhanced operational capacity.
Finally, I recall the initiative taken by the Cypriot Government since last summer to reassess the status of Syria, based on the actual facts prevailing in the country at the moment and following the evaluation carried out by the European Migration Agency, which is responsible for the evaluation of the situation in Syria. By April, the new draft assessment by the Agency will be completed. Possible conclusion at European level on the designation of specific areas in the country as safe, will allow for the promotion of the return of Syrian nationals to these areas, under strict conditions that will ensure their protection.
In addition, as recently announced, within 2024 our goal is to process asylum applications within 30 days, which is mostly already in place, to reinforce the Return Office with additional staff to further strengthen returns, and to tighten up on smugglers of irregular migrants. Hence the need for vigilance and preparedness at all levels. The establishment of the State Department of Immigration, which is expected to be adopted next week, will undoubtedly contribute in this direction. The concentration of migration-related responsibilities under the umbrella of a Deputy Ministry is essential to maintain positive results and further improve them."
Ioannou explained that it was agreed with Ms Johansson to set up a tripartite team, with members of Europol and Interpol, the Cyprus Police and the Lebanese authorities, in order to achieve better results. As the Interior Minister said, the involvement of Europol gives more weight to the whole effort.[/P]Asked whether the initiative of the Republic of Cyprus to re-evaluate the Syrian regime finds fertile ground at EU level, the Minister replied positively, noting that in private meetings with his counterparts, "the majority accepts and admits the fact that something needs to be done to re-evaluate it. There are still some reactions from some countries that have a weighty opinion, so the mood, in short, is positive. The important thing for us is the evaluation by the European Asylum Agency, which will be ready next April. Any conclusion that some areas should indeed be recognised as safe will be a catalyst for the decisions that the EU will take."
(Mky)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
Source[/P][/P]
