The Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection announced late on 13 January the launch of an €8.385 million, EU-funded project aimed at increasing assisted voluntary returns of third-country nationals from Cyprus. The 18-month initiative, financed by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) 2021-2027 programme, runs retroactively from July 2025 to December 2026.(cyprus-mail.com)
According to the ministry, the money will expand counselling, documentation and ticketing services; provide re-integration grants in countries of origin; and finance post-return monitoring to ensure departures are sustainable. Administrative units handling returns will receive new case-management software and extra staff training, while the Police Aliens & Immigration Unit will get upgraded transport and escort capacity.(cyprus-mail.com)
![€8.38 Million EU Scheme to Boost Voluntary Returns from Cyprus]()
Whether you are a migrant, an employer, or a traveller needing swift visa assistance, VisaHQ can help navigate Cyprus’s immigration procedures by offering online application management, document checking, and real-time support—see https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/ for details.
Cyprus processed more than 7,800 voluntary departures in 2025—triple the 2023 figure—but officials say overcrowded reception centres and mounting public concern require a more systemic approach. Business groups welcomed the move, noting that faster returns free up processing staff to focus on residence permits for investors, key workers and intra-company transferees. NGOs, however, stress that counselling must remain genuinely voluntary and include legal-aid safeguards.
For employers, the programme could shorten the wait for work-permit renewals by unclogging back-offices. Mobility teams should monitor implementation details—especially any changes to return-flight booking procedures that might affect escort costs for dismissed staff or overstaying contractors.(cyprus-mail.com)
According to the ministry, the money will expand counselling, documentation and ticketing services; provide re-integration grants in countries of origin; and finance post-return monitoring to ensure departures are sustainable. Administrative units handling returns will receive new case-management software and extra staff training, while the Police Aliens & Immigration Unit will get upgraded transport and escort capacity.(cyprus-mail.com)
Whether you are a migrant, an employer, or a traveller needing swift visa assistance, VisaHQ can help navigate Cyprus’s immigration procedures by offering online application management, document checking, and real-time support—see https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/ for details.
Cyprus processed more than 7,800 voluntary departures in 2025—triple the 2023 figure—but officials say overcrowded reception centres and mounting public concern require a more systemic approach. Business groups welcomed the move, noting that faster returns free up processing staff to focus on residence permits for investors, key workers and intra-company transferees. NGOs, however, stress that counselling must remain genuinely voluntary and include legal-aid safeguards.
For employers, the programme could shorten the wait for work-permit renewals by unclogging back-offices. Mobility teams should monitor implementation details—especially any changes to return-flight booking procedures that might affect escort costs for dismissed staff or overstaying contractors.(cyprus-mail.com)
