Alpha News

Sharp Drop in Asylum Applications in Cyprus: Halved in November

Published February 17, 2026, 14:23

Asylum applications in Cyprus fell sharply in November 2025, down 50% from October to 165. At the European Union level, a 26% decrease in first-time asylum applications was recorded in the same month, with a total of 54,825 applications. The main countries of origin of asylum seekers in the EU were Venezuela, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Syria. Most applications were recorded in Italy, Spain, France and Germany, countries that account for 76% of all applications in the EU. Cyprus, Greece, Spain and Italy recorded the highest rates of applications per 100,000 inhabitants. In November 2025, 1,370 unaccompanied minors submitted their first asylum application in the EU, with most coming from Somalia, Eritrea, Afghanistan and Venezuela.