In Nicosia, Cyprus, a Cypriot court has initiated legal proceedings against two Lebanese nationals, identified as migrant boat drivers, suspected of being involved in the smuggling of over 140 migrants who arrived by boat from Syria over the past weekend. The island nation is grappling with challenges in stemming the rising tide of asylum seekers reaching its shores.
Police intervention occurred off Cape Greco on February 25th, intercepting two vessels carrying predominantly Syrian men and children. Among the 146 refugees on board, reports identified two Lebanese men aged 19 and 21 as the migrant boat drivers, responsible for operating the vessels.
These migrants embarked from Tripoli, Lebanon, after each paying around €2,300 for passage, highlighting the risks individuals are willing to take in their quest for asylum. However, authorities caution against immediately prosecuting such drivers as smugglers, recognizing that they are often asylum seekers themselves navigating perilous waters.
Despite a general decline in migrant numbers last year, Cyprus has witnessed a dramatic 355% increase in arrivals from Syria and Lebanon in 2023, indicating the gravity of the situation. In response, Cyprus has sought assistance from Europol to patrol Lebanon’s coastline and deter departures. Additionally, the government aims to repatriate as many migrants as possible, having sent back 11,000 individuals in 2022, surpassing the number of arrivals.
While Cyprus faces criticism from humanitarian groups, it defends its strict policies, citing the need to manage limited resources and services. The nation accuses the EU of inaction, highlighting the mounting pressure faced by small Mediterranean countries due to regional conflicts and crises driving refugees northward.
As migrant flows continue unabated, Cyprus intensifies efforts to strengthen borders and reduce incentives for migrants. However, achieving success depends on increased EU assistance and regional stability, with solutions remaining elusive as desperate individuals across the Mediterranean continue risking their lives in search of asylum in Europe.