Addressing the Migration Surge: Cyprus Implements Plan B
In a strategic move to manage the increasing migrant arrivals, Cyprus has initiated the suspension of asylum applications from Syrian nationals. This step marks the activation of Plan B, a contingency plan aimed at addressing the challenges posed by the recent surge in migration.
Authorities in Cyprus have taken this decision in accordance with legal frameworks and have communicated their actions to the Directorate General of the European Commission. The move is designed to disrupt the operations of Syrian smugglers by introducing a layer of uncertainty for those seeking subsidiary protection, which has been automatically granted to Syrians until now.
Under the new measures, asylum seekers will be provided with shelter, food, and housing by Cypriot authorities. However, they will not receive a housing allowance and will be barred from working if they remain on the island for more than nine months. These changes are intended to reduce the attractiveness of Cyprus as a destination for migrants and create disincentives for new arrivals.
Furthermore, Cyprus is advocating for the recognition of certain areas in Syria as safe zones. This would allow for the rejection of asylum applications and potentially enable the repatriation of applicants. The challenge lies in achieving consensus among European Council member states, some of whom do not acknowledge Bashar al-Assad’s regime and are reluctant to engage in negotiations for a return mechanism.
Despite a return agreement with Lebanon signed in 2022, the practical implementation has seen limited success, with Lebanon accepting returns only sporadically and recently halting them altogether.
Cyprus has prepared an action plan that can be progressively rolled out in response to ongoing developments in the migration situation. As per the latest data from the interior ministry, total arrivals this year have shown a modest increase. However, there has been a notable spike in sea arrivals, highlighting the urgency for Cyprus to implement effective migration management strategies.
