immigration crackdown — A total of 43 arrests and 37 deportation orders have been issued in a significant immigration crackdown in Cyprus over the past three days, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat illegal residence in the country.
The coordinated operations were carried out by the police and the deputy ministry of immigration, focusing on illegal immigration and related offences. The justice ministry shared these updates on Monday, detailing the extent of the operations.
Immigration crackdown: Recent Operations Yield Significant Results
On Monday alone, authorities arrested 27 individuals during targeted searches in Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos. Among those apprehended, 17 people are facing deportation to their home countries, while repatriation procedures are still in progress for the remaining detainees.
Weekend Activities and Further Measures
Over the weekend, the crackdown continued with 16 arrests, 21 deportations, and 11 voluntary departures being recorded. This surge in activity reflects a robust approach by the Cypriot authorities in addressing illegal residency.
Enforcement at Major Airports
In addition to these arrests, police reported two incidents involving false travel documents detected at Larnaca and Paphos airports. Such measures are part of a broader strategy to tighten immigration controls and ensure compliance with the law.
Upcoming Deportations and Joint Operations
Looking ahead, more removals are scheduled in the coming days. On Tuesday, authorities plan to facilitate three deportations and 30 voluntary departures, which include 16 Syrian nationals. The ongoing efforts are designed to maintain public safety while enforcing immigration policy.
Additionally, on Wednesday, Cyprus is set to participate in a joint return flight targeting individuals from Pakistan and Georgia, with a total of 10 people to be deported—eight Georgian nationals and two from Pakistan.
Commitment to Public Safety
The justice ministry has confirmed that daily targeted operations will persist, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing public safety and controlling illegal immigration. These actions reflect a continued focus on ensuring that immigration policies are upheld and that those in violation of residency laws face appropriate consequences.
