Cyprus strengthens controls on student visas for third-country nationals

On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, Nicolas A. Ioannides, and the Minister of Education, Sports and Youth, Athena Michaelidou, held a meeting in Nicosia to address the exploitation of the student visa system by third-country nationals. The meeting was also attended by representatives of the Pancyprian Association of Private Tertiary Education Institutions (PASISTE) and the Association of Private Tertiary Education Institutions of Cyprus (SAISTEK).

The discussions focused on ensuring that international students strictly adhere to academic requirements, including consistent attendance and progress in their study programs. Officials expressed concern over instances where student status is allegedly used to facilitate illegal employment. While the government emphasized its commitment to supporting higher education and attracting international students for their positive economic impact, the meeting established a clear need for intensified monitoring and increased cooperation between state agencies and private institutions to prevent abuse of these immigration procedures.