In a late-night session on 9 December, Cyprus’ House of Representatives approved an amendment to the Refugee Law that allows the Deputy Minister of Migration or the Asylum Service to strip refugee or subsidiary-protection status from anyone charged with terrorism, murder, rape or other “grave offences”. Beneficiaries will have ten days to lodge an appeal before deportation proceedings can start once all legal remedies are exhausted.
Supporters say the change aligns Cypriot legislation with EU Directive 2011/95/EU and answers Brussels’ complaint that Nicosia lacked tools to deal with repeat offenders—a sticking point in Schengen negotiations. Human-rights groups, however, warn that shifting final say from courts to the executive risks politicising refugee decisions and may discourage vulnerable people from cooperating with authorities.
![Parliament gives Migration Minister power to revoke refugee status for serious crimes]()
Corporate mobility teams employing refugees must now plan for abrupt work-permit losses should an employee come under criminal investigation. Lawyers recommend inserting immediate-suspension clauses in contracts and mapping alternative residence paths—such as Cyprus’ single-permit regime—if the worker remains eligible for employment but loses humanitarian status.
For organisations suddenly facing these challenges, VisaHQ provides an efficient way to explore alternative visa routes and secure new permits for affected staff. Its Cyprus portal (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/) lets employers, NGOs and individual applicants compare entry categories, calculate processing times and submit applications online—offering a crucial back-up plan if refugee or subsidiary-protection status is revoked.
Visa-service providers report increased enquiries from NGOs and employers seeking contingency options, including short-term visitor visas or EU Blue Card applications for highly skilled individuals who might otherwise fall out of status. The ministry insists due-process safeguards remain, but stakeholders expect legal challenges once the first revocations are issued.
Supporters say the change aligns Cypriot legislation with EU Directive 2011/95/EU and answers Brussels’ complaint that Nicosia lacked tools to deal with repeat offenders—a sticking point in Schengen negotiations. Human-rights groups, however, warn that shifting final say from courts to the executive risks politicising refugee decisions and may discourage vulnerable people from cooperating with authorities.
Corporate mobility teams employing refugees must now plan for abrupt work-permit losses should an employee come under criminal investigation. Lawyers recommend inserting immediate-suspension clauses in contracts and mapping alternative residence paths—such as Cyprus’ single-permit regime—if the worker remains eligible for employment but loses humanitarian status.
For organisations suddenly facing these challenges, VisaHQ provides an efficient way to explore alternative visa routes and secure new permits for affected staff. Its Cyprus portal (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/) lets employers, NGOs and individual applicants compare entry categories, calculate processing times and submit applications online—offering a crucial back-up plan if refugee or subsidiary-protection status is revoked.
Visa-service providers report increased enquiries from NGOs and employers seeking contingency options, including short-term visitor visas or EU Blue Card applications for highly skilled individuals who might otherwise fall out of status. The ministry insists due-process safeguards remain, but stakeholders expect legal challenges once the first revocations are issued.
