Syria Begins Repatriating Migrants Who Fled to Cyprus

Syria has started accepting migrants who attempted to reach Cyprus. Under an agreement between the government of Cyprus and the transitional Syrian regime led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, two boats carrying refugees were intercepted on Monday and sent back to Syria without docking at any ports in the Republic of Cyprus.

According to Philenews, this new procedure follows consultations between Nicosia and Damascus and the signing of a cooperation agreement between the two governments. The deal is aimed at reducing the flow of migrants to Cyprus.

The latest report indicates that two boats, carrying 62 Syrian migrants (34 on one boat and 28 on the other), were spotted by the coast guard on Friday and Saturday. They were intercepted by Cypriot authorities before passengers could damage the boats. Had this occurred, it would have required immediate legal action to rescue the migrants and transport them to the Republic.

Instead, with the help of Syrian authorities, the migrants were returned to the port of Tartus, Syria's second-largest city. Syrian officials assured that the migrants will not face prosecution for attempting to escape, while human traffickers will be prosecuted.

It’s reported that migrants typically pay between $4,000 and $7,000 for the journey to Cyprus. Syria’s new policy is part of a broader effort by the transitional regime to improve the country's image and secure the lifting of sanctions imposed during Assad’s rule.