Cyprus Requests EU Assistance in Managing Influx of Syrian Refugees from Lebanon

Cyprus is facing a crisis as a recent surge of mostly Syrian refugees arrive by sea via Lebanon, pushing the island nation’s reception capacity to its limits. Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou described the situation as dire, with an onslaught of rotting boats and refugees risking their lives to reach Cyprus.

In the past week alone, over 600 people have arrived in Cyprus, taking advantage of milder weather conditions for the 10-hour sea journey from Lebanon or Syria. Ioannou warned that the influx is expected to continue, fueled by a decrease in Lebanese authorities’ efforts to stem migration due to escalating tensions on the Lebanese-Israeli border.

Cyprus is calling on the EU to take decisive action, including declaring parts of war-torn Syria safe to facilitate the return of fleeing citizens and linking aid to Lebanon with efforts to stop the migrant outflow. President Nikos Christodoulides emphasized that Lebanon should not export its migration problem.

Traffickers are reportedly charging $3,000 for a journey to Cyprus, significantly less than the $7,000 fee for reaching Italy. The situation has prompted urgent discussions between Cypriot and EU leaders to address the growing crisis.

As Cyprus grapples with the influx of refugees, the international community is being called upon to provide support and solutions to alleviate the strain on the island’s resources.