Cyprus plans to launch a repatriation program for Syrian families who withdraw their asylum applications, allowing one adult family member to stay on the island and work, AFP reports. 

Cyprus Migration MinisterNicholas Ioannidis said financial incentives will be introduced from next month for the voluntary return to Syria of families seeking asylum or international protection.

He told reporters that the program is being implemented in coordination with the European Union. EU member Cyprus is one of the largest per capita recipients of Syrian migrants.

Ioannidis said Syria is “going through a critical transition period” after the ouster of the country's former president Bashar al-Assad in December.

“The success of the reconstruction depends on political will, international cooperation and, most importantly, the active participation of the Syrian people themselves,” he said.

Cypriot officials say 2,500 Syrians have withdrawn asylum applications or relinquished their protection status, and about 2,400 have returned home.

The repatriation program allows one person per family or couple to receive a special residence and work permit for two years. Returning family members will receive 2,000 euros ($2,270) each for a spouse and 1,000 euros for each child.

The program will run from June 2 to August 31. Cyprus has provided refuge to thousands of Syrians fleeing the civil war that began there in 2011. The island in the eastern Mediterranean is less than 200 kilometers from the Syrian and Lebanese coasts and has long been a route for refugees seeking a better life in Europe.