5,000 political asylum seekers in Cyprus each year

The number of political asylum seekers has increased since Cyprus joined the European Union, in May 2004, according to Minister of Interior Christos Patsalides who added that the average annual influx is estimated at 5,000.

“Instability in the Middle East, Cyprus’ accession to the European Union and the partial lifting of restrictions on free movement to and from the Turkish occupied northern part of the island have resulted in an annual influx of 5,000 political asylum seekers in Cyprus,” he told a press conference.

He said that among the asylum seekers only 1,5% are approved to stay in the country. Those who are not must leave, he explained.

He noted that in 2007 there were 4.000 political asylum seekers and that today 8.000 applications are pending for examination.

Patsalides said it is a great problem and we have to deal with it with sensitivity because it has social as well as political ramifications.

The Minister said that after 2004 the number of arrivals of political asylum seekers has increased dramatically and this is a worry for the authorities.