In a significant nationwide operation initiated early Sunday, Cypriot authorities have successfully apprehended over thirty foreign nationals residing in the country without legal documentation. Immediate deportation proceedings have commenced for some, while the removal process is being expedited for the remainder. This substantial enforcement initiative, led by the Cyprus Police and the Deputy Ministry of Migration, clearly demonstrates the government's firm stance against illegal residency and its commitment to combating organised crime. The extensive operation, which spanned all districts of the island from dawn until noon, signals a notable escalation in the state's proactive approach to national security and migration management.
This decisive action follows a recent, audacious daylight shooting incident in Larnaca, which has understandably heightened public anxiety regarding daily safety. In response to this violent episode and other instances of public disorder, Justice Minister Costas Fitiris announced a zero-tolerance policy for foreign nationals involved in criminal activities or disturbances. He stated, "As part of ongoing campaigns, more than 30 undocumented foreigners were arrested today, and actions are being taken for their immediate deportation.” Fitiris further assured that rapid deportation procedures are being diligently implemented, strictly adhering to legal frameworks and upholding all relevant regulations.
The coordinated sweep involved specialist units from the Aliens and Immigration Service (YAM) and the Green Line Surveillance and Migration Flow Management Sub-Directorate, highlighting effective inter-agency collaboration. Beyond the immediate arrests, this operation serves as a potent warning to individuals residing in Cyprus without legal status or engaging in illicit behaviour. The government has pledged to confront both local and foreign criminal organisations through all available legal means, regardless of their origin or operational methods. Foreign nationals implicated in disturbances face severe consequences, including immediate arrest, expedited deportation, and a permanent ban from re-entering the country. Furthermore, calls have been made for exemplary punishment of any Cypriot citizens found to be complicit in such disturbances, underscoring the administration's dedication to maintaining law and order comprehensively.
These intensified enforcement measures are being implemented against a backdrop of a significantly evolving migration landscape. Official statistics indicate a marked decrease in irregular arrivals over recent years, accompanied by a substantial rise in repatriations. In 2025 alone, authorities facilitated the removal of 11,742 individuals, a considerable increase from the 10,092 removals recorded in 2024. This trend contrasts sharply with irregular arrivals, which dropped to 2,444 in 2025, a significant reduction from 6,109 in 2024 and a notable decrease from the 17,434 arrivals registered in 2022. This shift in migration balance is attributed to a sustained, three-year national strategy focused on managing migration flows and enforcing residency regulations more stringently. In response to the Larnaca shooting, additional security measures have been implemented, including an increased police presence and round-the-clock patrols, to reassure the public and deter further criminal activity. The Deputy Ministry of Migration has also appealed for public cooperation, encouraging citizens to report any relevant information, even anonymously, to aid law enforcement efforts. The government's resolute actions aim to restore public confidence in safety and security while effectively addressing the complex challenges of organised crime and irregular migration.