Cyprus has announced it will remove subsidiary protection status from migrants who commit serious criminal offences, according to Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nicholas Ioannides.
The decision comes after the cabinet approved new legislation incorporating EU provisions that permit the withdrawal of protection for individuals involved in serious crimes. Ioannides emphasized that while Cyprus fulfills its international obligations by providing hospitality and protection, abuses of this hospitality will have consequences beyond criminal penalties, including the loss of subsidiary protection.
Subsidiary protection is granted to those who do not qualify as refugees but are at risk in their home countries. Ioannides acknowledged that direct repatriation might not be possible due to safety concerns, but relocation agreements with third countries could be implemented.
The minister also mentioned that updates regarding repatriation agreements with third countries are expected soon. "We have reached understandings with certain countries and will announce developments shortly," he added.
Despite these plans, the U.N. human rights office has highlighted evidence showing that Syrian refugees returning to Syria face severe human rights abuses, including torture, abduction, and sexual violence against women.
Additionally, the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has criticized Cypriot authorities for pushing back asylum seekers to the UN buffer zone, despite repeated objections.