On July 22 and 23, 2026, Cypriot authorities carried out multiple operations targeting individuals residing illegally within the Republic of Cyprus. A coordinated sweep in the Limassol and Paphos districts resulted in the arrest of 13 people by the Aliens and Immigration Unit (YAM) and the Green Line Surveillance Sub-Directorate. Additionally, a separate operation in Nicosia, involving YAM units from headquarters, Nicosia, and Larnaca, led to the detention of 19 more individuals for illegal stay.

In the Limassol operation, authorities confirmed that three of the 13 detainees have already been repatriated to their countries of origin, with proceedings for the others still ongoing. Regarding the Nicosia operation, six of the 19 individuals have already departed the country. While sources like Philenews and Sigma Live focused on the Limassol operation involving 13 arrests, the Reporter attributed these specific arrests to smuggling investigations, a detail not specified by other official reports. The Cyprus Times separately detailed the subsequent operation in Nicosia involving 19 arrests.

The police continue to prioritize the identification and repatriation of third-country nationals living unlawfully in Cyprus, working in close coordination with the Deputy Ministry of Migration. Further operations are planned as part of a broader strategy to increase the total number of voluntary and forced returns.