On May 29, 2025, Deputy Minister for Migration Nicholas Ioannides announced a new voluntary repatriation program for Syrian families in Cyprus.

The initiative offers financial assistance and work permits to help families transition back to Syria.

Families participating in the program will receive a one-time payment of 2,000 euros for one adult and 1,000 euros for each child to support their resettlement.

The application period for this program will run from June 2 to August 31, 2025, and childless couples are also eligible to apply.

To qualify, families must withdraw any asylum claims or revoke international protection status granted before December 31, 2024.

One parent or main income earner from each family can obtain a temporary residency and work permit for two years, with an option for a one-year extension.

This work permit allows the income earner to travel back and forth to Syria, enabling them to support their family financially during the transition.

Ioannides noted that many Syrians are eager to return to help rebuild their country but are concerned about economic uncertainties.

So far, approximately 2,500 Syrians have withdrawn their asylum applications or renounced their protection status in Cyprus, with about 2,400 having already returned home.

Syrian nationals represent the largest group of asylum seekers in Cyprus, with over 4,200 applications submitted in 2024, highlighting the scale of the issue.

Ioannides described the program as a humanitarian and realistic approach to support Syria's post-war recovery, which may serve as a model for other EU countries.

This initiative is coordinated with the European Union, as Cyprus is one of the largest receivers of Syrian migrants per capita.