The new EU migration pact, set to take effect in June, will tighten controls at Europe’s borders. Asylum seekers will face mandatory screenings, using biometric data to track applications across the EU.

Syrian refugee Ahmad is in Cyprus, which has just taken over the EU presidency. He sent his family home after being promised a work permit that has yet to arrive. While the government says returns ease pressure on the small island, critics warn of labor shortages. Tighter EU policies could push more refugees to make decisions to split with their families.