Since July 2024 the project “Infrastructure for Asylum Service” is supported within the framework of the Swiss-Cypriot Cooperation Programme. The project focuses on creating new building infrastructure to house the headquarters of the asylum service of the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection. This facility will include staff offices and specialized areas to serve asylum seekers efficiently, alongside capacity-building activities in close cooperation with Swiss counterparts. The initiative aims to improve the overall asylum procedure, enhance service delivery to asylum seekers, and address the backlog in asylum claim examinations. By easing operational pressures on staff, applicants, and society, the project contributes to more effective migration management in Cyprus.

Project description

Background    

Over the past decade, Cyprus has been facing increasing migration flows, putting pressure on existing asylum infrastructure and services. The current headquarters of the asylum service lack adequate space to accommodate growing staff needs and the diverse requirements of asylum seekers, including vulnerable groups. This results in limited capacity and delays in processing asylum claims. The government’s Strategic Plan (2023-2025) highlights the need to reduce asylum application examination time and enhance migration flow management.

Objectives

The project aims to establish a new, strategically located headquarters for the Cypriot asylum service that will serve as a hub between the First Reception Centre and accommodation centres. The new facility will provide adequate working conditions for staff and accessible, well-equipped spaces for asylum seekers. It will contribute to faster claim processing, improved service quality, and better coordination with related departments.

Target groups

The direct beneficiaries include asylum seekers residing in Cyprus, many of whom are vulnerable, as well as the Asylum Service staff and supporting agencies such as the EUAA.

Activities

The activities of the project include the construction of a new building to house the Asylum Service HQ, located between reception and accommodation centres to optimize accessibility, while reducing travel time and costs. It involves the provision of modern office and service spaces to meet the growing demands of staff and asylum seekers, in addition to the organization and digitization of registration archives, thus improving data management and reducing time spent on file retrieval, increasing overall efficiency. Finaly, the project foresees capacity building and training activities involving Cypriot and Swiss personnel to share best practices, enhance skills, and improve the quality and speed of asylum procedures.

Federal office responsible

Federal Department of Justice and Police / State Secretariat for Migration