Newsroom
As of December 13, authorities in Cyprus have deported or repatriated a total of 9,420 individuals to their countries of origin, according to a recent statement from the Cyprus Police. This figure marks a slight increase compared to the same period in 2023, when 9,276 deportations or repatriations were recorded.
The Police highlighted their latest effort in this ongoing process: the Aliens and Immigration Unit's participation in a coordinated FRONTEX mission earlier this week. On Tuesday, the unit joined a joint forced return flight organized by Greek authorities under the coordination of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, commonly known as FRONTEX. Seven individuals, who were found to be residing illegally in the Republic of Cyprus, were returned to their home countries as part of this operation.
This marks the 16th time this year that Cypriot authorities have teamed up with FRONTEX for such operations. These joint missions aim to streamline the process of returning individuals who lack legal status in EU countries, addressing migration challenges through collaborative action among member states.
Cyprus, like other frontline EU nations, continues to face migration pressures and has prioritized the efficient processing of asylum claims and the return of those who do not qualify for protection. The use of coordinated return flights with the support of FRONTEX is part of the broader strategy to manage irregular migration and uphold border security.
Authorities emphasize that these operations are conducted in accordance with international law and human rights standards, ensuring that deportations and repatriations are handled fairly and systematically.
As Cyprus continues to deal with these challenges, the cooperation with FRONTEX and neighboring countries remains crucial in addressing illegal migration effectively.