Cyprus’ Aliens and Immigration Service (A&IS) carried out a coordinated dawn sweep on 21 September in the coastal districts of Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos, targeting addresses flagged as housing people without legal residence status. According to a police statement, 18 third-country nationals were arrested after on-site identity checks showed they had overstayed their visas or were never issued valid permits. Authorities said the operation is part of an intensified “back-end compliance” strategy that focuses on removals and returns rather than additional front-line border measures. Since July the A&IS has been running weekly, intelligence-led inspections of worksites and private accommodation. Police officers were accompanied on Monday by inspectors from the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection, which immediately opened return files for all 18 detainees. The arrested persons were transferred to the Menoyia pre-departure centre, where the Return Office has already begun arranging emergency travel documents with the relevant embassies. Officials told the Cyprus Mail that the ministry is aiming to complete the repatriations “within 30 days”, using EU-funded Frontex charter flights where possible; those who cooperate may qualify for assisted voluntary return grants of up to €1,000. For employers and relocation managers the action is a reminder that Cyprus is stepping up enforcement. Companies found to have knowingly hired irregular migrants now face administrative fines of up to €10,000 per worker, rising to €15,000 for repeat offences. Legal advisers recommend that HR teams audit existing staff records and ensure that residence permits for non-EU nationals are renewed at least one month before expiry. Landlords are also urged to keep copies of tenants’ passports and permits, as failure to do so can attract civil penalties under the updated Aliens & Immigration Regulations.
Source: Dialogos
