A new voluntary return programme supports the voluntary return of Syrian families who have obtained international protection in Cyprus or applied for such protection before 31 December 2024, while retaining a workforce in Cyprus for a certain period of time.
A Family/Spouses Scheme allows one of the parents/spouse of the family unit to stay in Cyprus for work purposes with a special residence permit, granting free access to the labour market for 2 years while the rest of the family returns to the country of origin with financial incentives. Minor children will not be granted special permission to stay due to legal restrictions.
The application period starts on 9 June 2026 and ends on 31 October 2026.
A written excerpt of the press conference held by the Deputy Minister for Migration and International Protection to present the new programme can be accessed here.
- Asylum Service | Υπηρεσία Ασύλου (10 June, 2026), [Plan to Support the Voluntary Return of Families to Syria 2026],