illegal stay — illegal stay — In a significant crackdown on illegal residency, police arrested thirty-one third-country nationals in Cyprus during a coordinated operation on Sunday. The operation, orchestrated by the Aliens and Immigration Service, spanned multiple districts, including Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol, and Famagusta.
The arrests took place in the morning, with those apprehended now in custody as procedures for their repatriation have commenced. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts by authorities to address the issue of illegal residency within the Republic of Cyprus.
Since January, the Aliens and Immigration Service has successfully repatriated a total of 11,500 individuals who were residing illegally in the country. This figure marks a notable increase compared to the 10,092 repatriations recorded in 2024.
Authorities have also noted a decline in irregular arrivals of third-country nationals this year, which totalled 2,400 compared to 6,109 last year. This reduction suggests enhanced border control measures and a shift in migration patterns.
Police officials confirmed that efforts to locate and repatriate illegal residents will continue on a daily basis, reflecting a commitment to maintaining immigration laws and ensuring the integrity of the nation’s borders.
