The European Migration Network (EMN) has released its Annual Report on Migration and Asylum 2022. The report, funded by the European Union, was prepared on the basis of annual national reports on migration and asylum from 29 national contact points including Cyprus. Among its findings, the Report notes that there was a 65% increase in first-time asylum applications since 2021. This, in addition to the pressures at external borders from the Mediterranean, Western Balkan and Eastern routes, has put significant pressure on reception and asylum systems across the region. The Report puts some focus on the Med 5 (Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, Spain) as front-line states managing the bulk of the 64% increase in irregular border crossings since 2021.
The comprehensive report comes alongside an accessible summary and contains all the latest information on developments across Europe and in Cyprus. With specific reference to Cyprus, the Report acknowledges the publication of a new Procedural Regulation on the Operation of the Administrative Court of International Protection to address delays in appeal management. Across all EMN member states, the Report tried to highlight some of the positive developments in improving living conditions, educational opportunities and anti-exploitation measures geared towards asylum seekers.