Cyprus Times

Cyprus Police Conduct Island-Wide Operation, Arrest 31 Irregular Migrants

Published January 18, 2026, 15:07
Cyprus Police Conduct Island-Wide Operation, Arrest 31 Irregular Migrants

The Cyprus Police conducted an island-wide operation to identify and arrest irregular migrants. During the operation, which took place from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., a total of 31 foreigners were arrested, 7 of whom were immediately deported. Procedures for the deportation of the remaining 24 are underway. This operation is part of a broader strategy that has been followed for the past three years to address migration flows. According to the Police, 11,742 migrants were repatriated in 2023, while in 2022 the number was 10,092. At the same time, the flow of irregular migrants to Cyprus has decreased. In 2023, 2,444 irregular migrants arrived, compared to 6,109 in 2022 and 17,434 in 2022. The authorities continue their efforts to locate and repatriate those residing illegally in Cyprus, aiming to maintain public order and effectively manage migration flows.