Newsroom
A group of Syrians involved in a violent clash last week in Limassol’s Zakaki area have been deported from Cyprus, officials said Friday, in a move they say reflects the government’s “strict” approach to immigration and public order.
According to the Justice Ministry and the Deputy Ministry of Immigration, the deportations followed coordinated action between the two departments after the August 7 incident. Authorities said the decision was part of an ongoing policy to remove foreign nationals, including those with asylum applications or protected status, if they commit crimes or engage in antisocial behavior.
The government has been steadily increasing repatriations in recent years. Since December 9, 2024, more than 3,600 Syrians have left Cyprus, either voluntarily or through deportation. In the first eight months of 2025 alone, over 8,000 third-country nationals were sent back to their countries of origin.
By comparison, 10,092 third-country nationals were repatriated in 2024, up from 9,193 in 2023. Officials say the numbers prove the policy is working and sends a clear message that Cyprus will not tolerate lawbreaking by foreign residents.
The Zakaki clash, which involved several people and drew heavy police presence, is still under investigation. Authorities have not released details on what sparked the violence.
