Parliament tightens asylum appeal deadlines for migrants

Parliament has approved legislation reducing the timelimits for appeals against rejected asylum applications on Thursday, as courts simultaneously upheld deportation decisions.

The amendment was passed with 22 votes in favour and 16 against.

Support came from Disy, Diko, Elam and Dipa, while Akel, Edek and the Ecologists voted against the motion.

Under the new law, the deadline to lodge an appeal against decisions of the asylum service is reduced from 30 to 20 days.

In specific categories of decrees provided for in the legislation, the filing period is cut from 15 to 10 days.

Presenting the proposal, Elam MP Sotiris Ioannou said the changes target cases where asylum applications have already been rejected, and deportation orders issued.

He argued that existing procedures are “systematically exploited” to delay removals through procedural loopholes, claiming “tens of thousands” abuse the system.

The government has framed the reform as part of a broader effort to strengthen enforcement and send a clear message on immigration control.

The legislative move comes against a backdrop of recent court rulings that bolster the state’s position.

Earlier today, the asylum court dismissed multiple appeals by Syrian nationals, ruling that rejection decisions by the immigration department were lawful.

The court decisions are seen as reinforcing a stricter immigration policy, particularly in cases involving criminal activity.

The judgments open the way for mandatory returns following asylum refusals.

Authorities say more than 4,500 people have voluntarily returned to Syria in recent months following changes in the country’s status.