Members of the House Interior Affairs Committee began line-by-line examination on 5 November 2025 of draft legislation that would dramatically expand the state’s power to revoke refugee or subsidiary-protection status. The bill—introduced by the Deputy Ministry of Migration & International Protection—allows authorities to cancel existing permits or refuse new asylum claims when applicants are deemed threats to public order or national security, or when they commit serious crimes.
Key provisions.
• Automatic revocation can be triggered by convictions carrying a sentence of five years or more, or by participation in organised-crime or terrorist groups.
• Those who lose protection would face deportation unless a court explicitly halts removal on humanitarian grounds.
• Appeals will no longer have suspensive effect unless an administrative court orders otherwise.
• A fast-track procedure will apply at the Green Line, enabling police to detain and return persons deemed inadmissible within 48 hours.
![Cyprus parliament debates bill to strip protection status from foreign nationals on security grounds]()
Context. Cyprus remains third in the EU for asylum applications per capita, and the government argues that stronger filters are needed to ease reception-centre pressure and deter abuse of the system. NGOs warn the bill could breach the EU Qualification Directive and the principle of non-refoulement if safeguards are not tightened. Brussels has asked Nicosia for a compatibility assessment before final reading.
Business impact. Corporate mobility managers should note that permanent-residence holders under the ‘Category F’ and investment-route schemes are not directly affected. However, companies employing refugees or subsidiary-protection holders may need to check staff criminal-record requirements under the new rules and budget for legal assistance if status reviews arise.
Next steps. A revised text is expected to reach the plenary before year-end, with implementation likely in the second quarter of 2026.
Key provisions.
• Automatic revocation can be triggered by convictions carrying a sentence of five years or more, or by participation in organised-crime or terrorist groups.
• Those who lose protection would face deportation unless a court explicitly halts removal on humanitarian grounds.
• Appeals will no longer have suspensive effect unless an administrative court orders otherwise.
• A fast-track procedure will apply at the Green Line, enabling police to detain and return persons deemed inadmissible within 48 hours.
Context. Cyprus remains third in the EU for asylum applications per capita, and the government argues that stronger filters are needed to ease reception-centre pressure and deter abuse of the system. NGOs warn the bill could breach the EU Qualification Directive and the principle of non-refoulement if safeguards are not tightened. Brussels has asked Nicosia for a compatibility assessment before final reading.
Business impact. Corporate mobility managers should note that permanent-residence holders under the ‘Category F’ and investment-route schemes are not directly affected. However, companies employing refugees or subsidiary-protection holders may need to check staff criminal-record requirements under the new rules and budget for legal assistance if status reviews arise.
Next steps. A revised text is expected to reach the plenary before year-end, with implementation likely in the second quarter of 2026.
