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A proposal to allow courts in Cyprus to deport foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes sparked debate in Parliament on Wednesday, with legal authorities and government agencies voicing concerns about how the measure would work in practice.
The bill, submitted by Democratic Rally (DISY) MP Nikos Tornaritis, was discussed before the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs and aims to introduce judicial deportation as a possible penalty alongside prison sentences for foreigners convicted of serious offenses.
Tornaritis said the proposal applies to non-EU nationals and mirrors policies already used in several European Union countries. However, he acknowledged that disagreements and technical objections raised during discussions mean the bill is unlikely to reach a vote before Parliament closes its current term.
During the session, representatives of the Legal Service warned that Cyprus already has effective administrative procedures allowing authorities to deport foreign nationals considered a threat to public order. They expressed concern that introducing deportation through criminal courts could create overlap between judicial decisions and existing administrative mechanisms.
Officials also raised legal questions about whether judges would have access to all necessary information to ensure international protections, including the principle of non-refoulement, which prevents individuals from being returned to countries where they may face danger, are respected. Questions were also raised about how cases would be handled if a convicted person applies for asylum.
Representatives from the Deputy Ministry of Migration and the Ministry of Justice also opposed making deportation a criminal penalty, arguing it could raise issues of equal treatment under the law and recommending amendments to several provisions of the bill.
The United Nations refugee agency said Cyprus already operates within a legal deportation framework but suggested clearer safeguards should be included, including protections for minors, respect for family unity, and the right of affected individuals to be heard before removal decisions are carried out.
Tornaritis said he accepted recommendations that minors be excluded from the proposal and called on government departments and the Legal Service to coordinate revisions before the bill returns for further discussion.
The debate also highlighted prison statistics presented during the meeting. According to prison officials, 620 of the 1,172 inmates currently held in Cyprus’ central prisons are foreign nationals. Most are serving sentences for serious crimes, including drug offenses, sexual crimes, homicide, and property-related offenses.
ELAM MP Sotiris Ioannou argued the figures support calls for faster deportations, saying the measure would ease pressure on prisons and strengthen public security. He added that, in his view, serious offenders should face removal regardless of whether they are EU or non-EU citizens, noting that residency rights can already be revoked for security reasons.
Despite political support from some parties, the proposal now faces further legal review and amendments before lawmakers decide whether it can move forward.
Tornaritis said he hopes Cyprus will eventually align with practices followed in other EU countries but admitted the timeline remains uncertain.
