SigmaLive English published detailed statistics on 18 September 2026 showing that Cyprus Police recorded 1,226 criminal and administrative cases between 1 January and 31 August 2026 as part of nationwide road-policing operations. Notably, 148 of those cases involved individuals “illegally staying in Cyprus”, underscoring how routine traffic controls are being leveraged to detect immigration violations. The figures arrive against the backdrop of record tourist arrivals—August numbers were nearly 5 % above 2024—as well as a tight domestic labour market that has seen some employers turn to informal hiring. Authorities appear intent on signalling that overstaying a tourist visa or working without authorisation will increasingly be caught even outside traditional border checkpoints. For multinational firms, the data highlight the importance of ensuring that employees who drive company cars have both valid residence documentation and a copy of their contract on hand. Mobility advisers recommend that HR teams include immigration-status spot-checks in routine fleet-safety audits. The report also catalogues 70 vehicle-theft-related cases and 81 drug offences, suggesting that enforcement campaigns are broad-based. The Ministry of Transport says it will integrate real-time police data feeds into the Pame App later this year, giving professional drivers push alerts on areas with intensive checks. While the bulk of immigration offences involved third-country nationals, legal experts warn that EU citizens who fail to register after 90 days also face administrative penalties. Companies should therefore remind long-term business travellers from the EU to apply for the MEU 1 or MEU 2 certificate within statutory deadlines.
Source: SigmaLive English
