In an emotionally charged late-night session on 4 December, Cyprus’ House of Representatives approved amendments to the Refugees Law that allow authorities to revoke international-protection status and deport third-country nationals who commit serious offences. The bill passed by 27 votes to 15, with opposition parties AKEL and the Greens warning of potential human-rights violations.
Key provisions transfer decision-making power to the Council of Ministers, the Deputy Minister for Migration and the Head of the Asylum Service. Beneficiaries now have ten days to submit representations before final revocation, mirroring safeguards in EU Directive 2011/95/EU. Supporters argue the changes close legal loopholes that let convicted offenders remain in Cyprus while appeals drag on.
![Parliament fast-tracks law to deport asylum seekers convicted of serious crimes]()
Interior-ministry data show that 149 asylum-seekers were jailed for violent or drug-related crimes between 2023 and 2025. Officials insist the new law targets only those posing a demonstrable threat, but NGOs fear it could widen to lesser offences and deter genuine refugees from cooperating with police.
For HR and mobility managers, the law underscores the importance of vetting employees’ criminal records and ensuring timely permit renewals. Companies sponsoring work visas for family members should note that dependants could also be affected if a principal applicant loses protection status. Legal counsel recommend reviewing employment contracts to clarify termination clauses tied to deportation.
The legislation is part of a broader clamp-down that includes faster asylum decisions and a new Assisted Voluntary Returns Hub. Observers expect Brussels to scrutinise implementation closely as Cyprus seeks to advance its stalled Schengen bid.
Key provisions transfer decision-making power to the Council of Ministers, the Deputy Minister for Migration and the Head of the Asylum Service. Beneficiaries now have ten days to submit representations before final revocation, mirroring safeguards in EU Directive 2011/95/EU. Supporters argue the changes close legal loopholes that let convicted offenders remain in Cyprus while appeals drag on.
Interior-ministry data show that 149 asylum-seekers were jailed for violent or drug-related crimes between 2023 and 2025. Officials insist the new law targets only those posing a demonstrable threat, but NGOs fear it could widen to lesser offences and deter genuine refugees from cooperating with police.
For HR and mobility managers, the law underscores the importance of vetting employees’ criminal records and ensuring timely permit renewals. Companies sponsoring work visas for family members should note that dependants could also be affected if a principal applicant loses protection status. Legal counsel recommend reviewing employment contracts to clarify termination clauses tied to deportation.
The legislation is part of a broader clamp-down that includes faster asylum decisions and a new Assisted Voluntary Returns Hub. Observers expect Brussels to scrutinise implementation closely as Cyprus seeks to advance its stalled Schengen bid.
