Cyprus has begun returning Syrian migrants directly to Syria under a new agreement, marking a significant shift in its approach to maritime migration. Over the weekend, Cypriot marine police intercepted two boats carrying a total of 62 Syrian nationals and pushed them back at sea before they could enter the island’s territorial waters.
The migrants, traveling in separate vessels detected on Friday and Saturday, were returned directly to Syria’s Tartus port. This operation is the first test of the new cooperation channel between Cyprus and Syria, allowing for direct returns instead of processing migrants within Cyprus.
Authorities say the agreement was carried out with assurances from Syria that the returnees would be treated humanely. However, the practice of pushbacks—where migrants are forcibly returned without access to asylum procedures—has long been criticized by human rights groups and may conflict with international refugee law, including the principle of non-refoulement.
The cost of such journeys remains high, with reports suggesting that Syrian migrants pay between $4,000 and $7,000 for transport to Cyprus. Cypriot authorities believe organized networks are not only managing these dangerous sea routes but may also be arranging jobs for migrants once they arrive.
Syria’s cooperation in these operations reflects its attempt to restore international ties and ease economic pressures. Under interim President Ahmed al-Saraa, the country is signaling readiness to engage with European governments in managing migration.
Favourable spring weather has historically triggered a rise in migration via the eastern Mediterranean, and this year appears to be no exception.
What is a pushback, and why is it controversial?
Pushbacks are forced returns of migrants without proper asylum screening, potentially violating international human rights law.
Pushbacks bypass the legal right of individuals to seek asylum and can expose returnees to danger in their home countries, making them widely condemned by rights organizations and the UN.
As this agreement takes effect, it could set a precedent for other frontline EU states seeking ways to manage irregular migration. However, legal and ethical questions surrounding such returns are likely to persist.