Cyprus plans to tighten its “golden visa” programme ahead of the country’s accession to the Schengen Area, Deputy Minister of Migration Nicholas A. Ioannides has said, speaking before the House Committee on Control of Public Expenditure, which was discussing a special report by the Audit Office on the management of migration.
Speaking on 24 September, Ioannides said that around 1,500 “golden visas” have been issued over the past two years and that a strict review is underway of the holders of around 12,000 such passports issued since 2013, to determine whether they still meet the criteria. He also announced decisions to tighten the programme, noting that Cyprus’ accession to the Schengen Area makes it more attractive and that he has made relevant recommendations to other Ministers involved.
Among other things, he said that the direction of investments linked to the programme is being examined, including whether they can also be channelled into sectors such as education, defence and innovation, noting that “we need investment,” but that it should be made “in a controlled manner.”
The Deputy Minister also said that an information system is being developed that will allow authorities to monitor third-country nationals from the time they enter the Republic until they leave.
At the same time, he announced that the digitisation of migration services is moving forward. In the first phase, citizens will be able to renew their residence permits online for five categories, while they will also be able to track the progress of their applications electronically and receive an SMS when the process is completed.
Ioannides said that pending asylum applications have fallen from around 24,000 when the Deputy Ministry was established to fewer than 12,500 today, while regarding applications by Syrians, he said that more than 6,100 applications have been withdrawn or revoked since December 2024, and around 5,500 people have returned to their country. In the first eight months of 2026, returns have exceeded 7,000, compared with more than 12,000 departures in 2025.
Referring to asylum applications, he said the approval rate currently stands at 15%-20%, while a large percentage of the people in Cyprus have subsidiary protection status.
Ioannides also referred to the financial cost of migration, noting that welfare benefits have fallen significantly over the past two years due to the decline in migration flows. He said the amount stood at €15 million at the beginning of 2026, compared with €49 million when he assumed his duties.
The Deputy Minister said that a large part of the cost of managing migration is covered by European funds, with the 'Pournara' Reception Centre upgraded with 100% European funding, the 'Limnes' facility with 85%, while returns are funded at a rate of 80%-85%.
Regarding legal migration, Ioannides said that Cyprus needs workers in the construction and hotel industries, as well as nurses. AKEL MP Nikos Kettiros asked for clarification on the economy’s needs for workers from third countries, housing and controls.
The Deputy Minister said that bilateral agreements have been concluded with Egypt and India to more targetedly attract workers, while there are currently around 200,000 valid residence permits for third-country nationals.
Regarding unaccompanied minors, Ioannides said their number has fallen from around 1,100 when he took over the Deputy Ministry to 130 today. He added that age assessments are being carried out and that there are no plans to create new facilities.
(Source: CNA)
