Cypriot authorities arrest 42 individuals for illegal residency

On October 7, 2026, the Cypriot Alien and Immigration Service (YAM) conducted a nationwide operation resulting in the arrest of 42 third-country nationals for residing illegally in the Republic of Cyprus. The operation was carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and Migration to identify and remove individuals lacking legal residency documentation.

Authorities have immediately initiated legal procedures to repatriate the 42 detainees to their countries of origin. This enforcement action is part of broader ongoing efforts by the government to manage migration and ensure compliance with national residency laws. In a related development, the YAM participated in a joint operation with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, last Monday, which led to the repatriation of nine additional individuals.

According to official statistics provided by the YAM, a total of 7,239 people have been deported or repatriated to their countries of origin since the beginning of 2026. The authorities continue to intensify their collaboration with European agencies to handle migration flows and maintain national security.