Deputy Migration Minister presents Cyprus returns programme to EU Council

07:53 - 23 July 2025

Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Dr Nicholas A Ioannides

Current Affairs Reporter

Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, Nicholas Ioannides, has presented Cyprus' programme of returns, which has proven to be particularly effective as regards the increase of the number of third countries nationals returns, before the EU Informal Justice and Home Affairs Council, which convened in Copenhagen.

According to an official press release issued in Nicosia, participants in the Council on 22 July exchanged views regarding the aspects of an effective common system of returns and the Deputy Minister underlined the need for a sound legal framework, which will give the member state adequate flexibility, while at the same time providing clear and consistent regulations as regards the obligations and the rights of third countries nationals, so that imposing sanctions in case of non compliance will be made possible.

Moreover, Ioannides underlined the significance of the use of effective motives - positive and negative - to encourage voluntary returns and the implementation of homogeneous regulations to prevent abuses and secondary movements.

He also highlighted the importance of establishing strategic partnerships with third countries, in the framework of the external dimension of migration, which will cover areas of mutual interest.

According to the press release on the sidelines of the Informal Council, Ioannides had bilateral meetings which the Austrian Federal Interior Minister, Gerhard Karer and the Interior Minister of Luxembourg, Léon Gloden, which whom he discussed issues related to the forthcoming Cyprus EU Presidency, the Republic of Cyprus accession to the Schengen zone and the repatriation of third countries nationals.

(Source: CNA)

Deputy Migration Minister presents Cyprus returns programme to EU Council

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