Cyprus net migration inflows fall from 2004 highs

The net increase in migration in Cyprus fell by more than 1,000 people in 2007 but the absolute number was still higher than in the period before Cyprus joined the EU, according to the latest population statistics produced by the Statistical Service.
Net migration (immigration minus emigration) was 7,390 in 2007. This was 14.8% lower than in 2006, when net migration of 8,671 was recorded. In 1997, net migration was just 4,800.
Since Cyprus joined the EU in 2004, net migration had risen by 46,201 people, or 5.8% of the population in 2007.
Net migration peaked at 15,724 people in 2004, the year Cyprus joined the EU. Under the rules governing Cyprus’ EU membership, nationals of all EU member states were free to live and work in Cyprus.

Turkish Cypriot population “only 88,300”
Separately, the Statistical Service estimates the Turkish Cypriot population in the northern part of Cyprus at only 88,300.
This in sharp contrast to Turkish Cypriot figures. According to the Turkish Cypriot 2006 census, the population in the north was 256,644 in 2006. Of this total, 130,368 had at least one parent born in Cyprus, so might be considered as “genuine” Turkish Cypriot, as opposed to the large number of migrants of Turkish origin who are commonly referred to as settlers.