Newsroom
Cyprus authorities arrested 41 third-country nationals during a coordinated immigration operation in the Nicosia district on Monday, as the government steps up efforts to identify people living in the country without legal status.
The operation was carried out by the Aliens and Immigration Service, according to a police announcement.
Authorities said all 41 people were found to be residing in the Republic without the required legal permission.
Sixteen have already been deported to their countries of origin. The remaining 25 were transferred to a reception facility while arrangements are made for their return.
The Aliens and Immigration Service is working with the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection to begin the necessary repatriation procedures.
Monday’s operation forms part of a broader government drive to increase both voluntary and forced returns of people who do not have permission to remain in Cyprus.
According to official figures, 6,370 people have been repatriated since the beginning of 2026.
The figures include people who left through voluntary return programs as well as those removed from the country under compulsory deportation procedures.
