Cypriot police conduct nationwide operation against illegal residency

On September 13, 2026, the Cyprus Police conducted a large-scale operation across the districts of Larnaca, Limassol, and Paphos, specifically targeting individuals residing in the Republic of Cyprus illegally. The coordinated efforts involved the Aliens and Immigration Service, resulting in the arrest of 39 third-country nationals.

Following the arrests, authorities initiated immediate repatriation procedures for 12 of the detainees. The remaining 27 individuals have been transferred to a shelter while officials from the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Cooperation process their repatriation to their respective countries of origin.

This operation is part of an ongoing government initiative to enforce residency regulations and manage irregular migration. According to official police data, this latest action brings the total number of individuals deported or repatriated from Cyprus since the beginning of 2026 to 6,460.