Migration Expenditures in Cyprus to Nearly Double in 2024

In 2024, migration expenditures in Cyprus are set to almost double due to increased migrant flows, construction of new accommodation facilities, medical services, as well as benefits and asylum seeker management.

According to information from the Ministry, as reported by Politis newspaper, migration expenses are projected to reach €103,528,953 by 2024. For comparison, in 2021, €32,227,705 was spent for these purposes, in 2022 - €42,953,245, and by October 2023, expenditures had already amounted to €54,175,521.

These figures encompass expenses for staff in migrant accommodation centers like Pournara and Kofinou, salaries for government officials dealing with migrant issues, and construction costs.

Not included in these expenses are benefits paid to migrants, housing for unaccompanied minors, legal services, education, and police services.

The overall cost of migration for the government over the last three and a half years is estimated at €465,066,348, significantly surpassing the EU allocation for 2021-2023, which amounted to €29,452,799.

Financial aid to cover basic needs (food, clothing, and footwear) and minor personal expenses, including electricity and water, decreased from €28,872,139 in 2021 to €27,803,382 in 2022 and €14,336,715 by June 2023.

In 2021, €1,901,600 was spent on accommodating asylum seekers in hotels, followed by €2,000,000 in 2022, and €1,332,220 in the first half of 2023.

It is also expected that around €11.5 million will be spent on teaching migrant children the Greek language in 2024.

Recognizing the disproportionate burden of migration flows on Cyprus in recent years, the European Commission has directly approved additional funds, including €75.2 million for the establishment of a Pre-Departure Resettlement Center in Limnes, €6.7 million for housing displaced Ukrainians, and €31 million for the modernization of social services for unaccompanied minors.