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Cypriot authorities have significantly increased the removal of illegal migrants in recent weeks, as part of a broader effort to regain control over migration flows and ease pressure on the prison system.
According to government sources, between 10 December 2025 and 20 January 2026, a total of 164 foreign nationals were deported from detention centres and the Central Prisons. During the same period, 479 additional illegal migrants left the country, either through organised voluntary return programmes or by choosing to depart on their own initiative. In total, 643 individuals who were staying illegally in the Republic of Cyprus have been removed.
The removals are the result of intensified nationwide operations aimed at identifying people without legal residence status. Authorities say these actions form part of a coordinated government policy that combines stricter migration enforcement with measures to reduce overcrowding in correctional facilities.
Officials report that the strategy is already delivering results, with steady progress in clearing detention facilities while maintaining firm controls against illegal entry and stay.
As part of this approach, the President of the Republic has signalled that further measures would be implemented within January. Discussions have taken place between the Attorney General’s Office, the Ministry of Justice and the Deputy Ministry responsible for migration to expand return mechanisms, particularly those encouraging voluntary departures.
Among the options under review is the possible early release of around 100 foreign inmates convicted of non-serious offences, on the condition that they leave the country, in line with legal and humanitarian standards.
The government maintains that decisive enforcement, combined with faster removals, is essential to tackling illegal migration and restoring order to the system.
