Cyprus’ Aliens and Immigration Service (YAM) mounted a targeted operation in downtown Nicosia between 06:00 and 12:00 on 24 June, checking 35 individuals suspected of violating residence rules. Seven third-country nationals were found to be in the country unlawfully and were immediately taken into custody. Police said repatriation procedures have already begun, signalling a continued government push to increase returns of migrants who have exhausted legal remedies. The arrests come on the heels of a series of enforcement sweeps this spring in Limassol and Larnaca that resulted in more than 100 deportations. For employers, the raid is a reminder that authorities are cross-referencing workplace inspections with migration databases. Companies found employing migrants without valid permits face fines of up to €20,000 per worker and potential criminal liability.
![Immigration service detains seven overstayers in dawn raid across central Nicosia]()
VisaHQ’s Cyprus desk offers end-to-end support for companies and individuals navigating these exact compliance hurdles, from securing entry visas to renewing residence cards and tracking renewal deadlines—services that can help organisations avoid the penalties described above. Learn more at https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/
HR departments should verify that all staff—especially seasonal workers hired on short notice—hold current residence cards or entry visas. The operation also illustrates Cyprus’ broader strategy under the new EU Migration and Asylum Pact: faster screening, expedited border procedures and streamlined returns. Businesses that sponsor third-country workers should expect tighter document checks at renewal stage and shorter appeal windows for rejected extensions. Global mobility teams should audit existing employee records, ensure timely filings for renewals and maintain copies of passports, entry stamps and social-insurance registrations to demonstrate due diligence in the event of inspections.
VisaHQ’s Cyprus desk offers end-to-end support for companies and individuals navigating these exact compliance hurdles, from securing entry visas to renewing residence cards and tracking renewal deadlines—services that can help organisations avoid the penalties described above. Learn more at https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/
HR departments should verify that all staff—especially seasonal workers hired on short notice—hold current residence cards or entry visas. The operation also illustrates Cyprus’ broader strategy under the new EU Migration and Asylum Pact: faster screening, expedited border procedures and streamlined returns. Businesses that sponsor third-country workers should expect tighter document checks at renewal stage and shorter appeal windows for rejected extensions. Global mobility teams should audit existing employee records, ensure timely filings for renewals and maintain copies of passports, entry stamps and social-insurance registrations to demonstrate due diligence in the event of inspections.
