Authorities detain 18 undocumented foreign nationals in Cyprus operation

On September 21, 2026, the Aliens and Immigration Service (YAM) conducted a coordinated operation across the districts of Larnaca, Limassol, and Paphos, leading to the arrest of 18 third-country nationals. The individuals were found to be residing in the Republic of Cyprus without the required legal status.

Following their detention, all 18 individuals were transferred to a designated accommodation center. The YAM is now working in close coordination with the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection to initiate the necessary legal procedures for the repatriation of the detainees to their respective countries of origin.

This action is part of an ongoing series of systematic checks performed by the Cypriot authorities to identify and process individuals staying in the country illegally. The authorities have confirmed that the repatriation process has been set in motion, although no specific timeline for the flights or transport has been announced at this stage.