Measures by the Deputy Ministry of Migration for Unaccompanied Minors' Facilities – What Changes

From the beginning of 2026, the management of facilities for unaccompanied alien minors in Cyprus will be transferred to the Asylum Service (ΥΠΑΣ) of the Deputy Ministry of Migration. This decision was made by the Council of Ministers and marks a change in the approach to managing these facilities. Simultaneously, the Deputy Minister of Migration, Dr. Nikolaos A. Ioannidis, has granted full access to the Cyprus Police to these facilities for the purpose of investigating criminal acts and addressing delinquent behavior. This measure underscores the Deputy Ministry's intention to take strict measures to address delinquency in these facilities, constituting part of the Government's broader policy of strict handling of alien delinquent behavior. Police access will be complete, enabling the effective investigation of any criminal acts committed within the facilities. This decision follows the Deputy Ministry of Migration's assumption of responsibility for the facilities and marks a new phase in the management of unaccompanied minors. Cooperation with the Police is considered crucial to ensure safety and legality within the facilities. The government's goal is to create a safe and dignified environment for unaccompanied minors while ensuring compliance with the law and addressing delinquency. Close cooperation between the Deputy Ministry of Migration and the Cyprus Police is considered essential to achieve this goal.