Cyprus immigration police conduct raid in Limassol leading to deportations

On the morning of Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the Cyprus immigration police conducted a raid on a tavern in the center of Limassol. The operation resulted in the detention of 22 individuals. Investigations confirmed that 20 of those detained were residing in the Republic of Cyprus illegally, while the identities of two additional individuals are currently being verified.

Following the raid, authorities accelerated the removal process. By October 21, 19 of the detained foreign nationals had already been deported to their home countries. Immigration police are currently finalizing the necessary legal documentation to facilitate the deportation of the 20th identified individual. This action is part of a broader government initiative to intensify migration control measures.

This enforcement reflects the ongoing hardening of Cypriot migration policy. Official data indicates that since the beginning of 2026, a total of 4,021 migrants have been deported or expelled from the country. The authorities continue to monitor for individuals lacking residency status and are strictly enforcing laws regarding illegal stay, stripping violators of protection status where applicable.