Cyprus’ Aliens & Immigration Unit carried out an island-wide operation in the early hours of 7 October, targeting accommodation believed to be hosting people without valid residence status. According to a police statement, 42 third-country nationals were arrested and transferred to the Menogeia pre-departure centre where return procedures have already begun. The sweep was coordinated with local district commands and supported by rapid identity checks using the EU’s Eurodac and VIS databases. Police said the action forms part of an intensified ‘return first’ policy set by the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection at the start of the year. More than 7,200 people have already been either deported or voluntarily repatriated in 2026, a 28 % increase on the same period last year. A joint Frontex charter earlier this week flew nine Egyptians back to Cairo, and additional coordinated flights are planned before the end of the month. Speaking on state radio, Deputy Minister Nicholas Ioannides argued that accelerated returns free up reception capacity and deter new arrivals who attempt to cross the Green Line from the north. He added that Cyprus will push for a stronger focus on effective returns when the new EU Asylum and Migration Pact is implemented next June. For employers, the latest figures underscore how rigorously Cyprus is enforcing immigration rules. Companies hosting foreign contractors are being advised to double-check permit validity and keep copies of employees’ residence cards on site. Immigration lawyers report a spike in requests for advice on status-check audits and voluntary‐departure procedures. While the operation targeted overstayers, officials confirmed that no workplace raids were conducted; the emphasis remains on accommodation hotspots and traffic controls. Nevertheless, human-rights groups called for safeguards to ensure vulnerable individuals are offered access to legal aid and that detention is used only when removal is imminent.
Source: Cyprus Mail
