‘Golden Passport’ scandal reaches court as former minister and nine others stand trial
Talks Fail to Set Date for New Green Line Crossing as Cyprus Leaders Meet Ahead of UN Envoy Visit
Cyprus launches €20 million tender for drones to monitor land and sea borders
Latest News
No breakthrough on new Cyprus crossing points as leaders prepare for UN envoy’s visit
Greek- and Turkish-Cypriot leaders met on 20 October but failed to clinch a deal on opening an additional crossing through the island’s buffer zone. One proposal was rejected outright and the other remains under review ahead of a UN envoy’s visit on 29 October. The impasse keeps daily commuters and cross-border trade reliant on the existing, often congested routes.
EU Return Regulation takes effect; Cyprus begins adjusting removal procedures
Regulation (EU) 2026/2280, endorsed under Cyprus’ Council Presidency, became law on 16 October. Cyprus must now issue European Return Orders, prepare for longer detention limits and decide whether to join planned ‘return hubs’. The staggered timetable creates legal complexity for employers and migrants alike.
Twenty irregular migrants arrested in Limassol apartment sweep
Police detained 20 people without legal residency status during a 20 October raid in Limassol. Authorities have started repatriation procedures under Cyprus’ fast-track return regime, while employers and NGOs voice concerns about labour shortages and rights safeguards.
Airport operator warns travellers not to rely on new ‘CyBusy’ congestion forecasts
Hermes Airports has cautioned passengers against using the new CyBusy website, which predicts terminal congestion at Larnaca and Paphos. The operator says unofficial forecasts are unreliable and urges travellers to follow airline guidance, underscoring the tension between passenger demand for real-time data and operational uncertainty.
Cyprus posts all-time high of 580,889 tourist arrivals in September, led by UK and Israeli markets
CYSTAT figures released on 19 October show Cyprus welcomed a record 580,889 tourists in September 2026, up 1.8 percent year-on-year, with the UK and Israel the largest source markets. The performance underscores the island’s continuing appeal for leisure and MICE travel and signals ongoing pressure on accommodation and seasonal labour that corporate mobility teams must plan around.
Cyprus Police detain 22-year-old suspected smuggler after eight irregular migrants cross Green Line
Police on 19 October arrested a 22-year-old alleged smuggler after eight irregular migrants crossed from the island’s Turkish-controlled north into government-held territory. The case highlights ongoing Green-Line security challenges ahead of Cyprus’ Schengen entry and serves as a compliance warning for firms whose staff may be tempted to enter via unrecognised crossings.