According to AFP, Cypriot authorities announced on Wednesday that more migrants left the country in the second quarter than arrived seeking asylum. This is the “first time” in recent years on the Mediterranean island.

Claiming to be at the forefront of migration flows in the European Union, of which it has been a member since 2004, Cyprus has for years demanded additional funding and political support from Brussels to tackle the problem.

In recent months, the Cypriot authorities have intensified their efforts to send illegal immigrants to other countries.

“For the first time in many years, thanks to coordinated actions and measures, the total number of immigrants who left Cyprus exceeds the number of immigrants who arrived,” the ministry said in a statement.

Between April and June, 2,381 asylum applications were submitted, while 2,714 migrants left Cyprus, it added.

Departure can take the form of voluntary resettlement through the European program for asylum seekers, voluntary return to the country of origin or expulsion, the ministry said.