**NICOSIA** – In a concerted effort to alleviate chronic overcrowding within its correctional facilities and reassert control over migration, the Cypriot government has embarked on an ambitious programme of deporting foreign nationals, encompassing both incarcerated individuals and those residing in the country unlawfully. This initiative, spearheaded by the Justice Ministry and the Deputy Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, has seen a significant number of foreign inmates removed from detention centres and central prisons in recent weeks, alongside intensified operations targeting undocumented migrants.
The drive, which gained momentum following a policy direction announced by the President in December, aims to address a pressing issue that has long strained the island's prison system. Figures released by the authorities reveal that between December 10th and January 20th, a total of 164 foreign nationals were deported from prisons and detention facilities. This figure is part of a broader exodus of foreign nationals, with 643 individuals leaving the country within a 45-day period. The majority of these departures, some 450, were facilitated through voluntary return programmes, with an additional 29 individuals opting to leave the island of their own accord due to their irregular status. Furthermore, an independent report indicated that nearly 480 additional individuals without legal residency left Cyprus during the same timeframe, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the government’s strategy.
The impetus behind this robust action is multifaceted. Foremost among the concerns is the dire state of prison conditions, which have drawn scrutiny from international bodies. The Council of Europe's committee for the prevention of torture has previously voiced grave concerns regarding severe overcrowding, instances of inter-inmate violence, and inadequate sanitation within Cypriot prisons. With foreigners comprising over half of the approximately 1,120 inmates currently housed in the nation's prisons, their removal is seen as a direct measure to ease the considerable pressure on the system.
The strategy is not solely focused on individuals already serving sentences. The government is also exploring the possibility of early release for foreign prisoners convicted of less serious offences, contingent upon their agreement to depart the island. This approach, potentially affecting around 100 inmates, is part of a wider plan that could ultimately impact up to 175 prisoners. This nuanced policy aims to balance the need for punitive justice with the pragmatic imperative of managing the prison population and regaining a firmer grip on migration flows.
The implementation of these measures has been characterized by coordinated nationwide operations designed to identify and apprehend undocumented migrants, thereby facilitating their removal. The expansion of voluntary return mechanisms further buttresses these efforts, offering individuals an alternative to forced deportation. The Justice Ministry, in conjunction with the Attorney General's Office, is actively involved in the legal and administrative processes required to expedite these removals, ensuring compliance with both domestic legislation and international obligations.
The immediate impact of this intensified campaign is already palpable, with tangible progress reported in reducing prison congestion and clearing detention facilities. This proactive stance signals the government's determination to maintain firm controls against illegal entry and residence, a commitment that resonates with broader European concerns regarding migration management. While the long-term efficacy and humanitarian implications of such widespread deportations will undoubtedly be subject to ongoing observation and debate, the current administration appears resolute in its pursuit of a more manageable and secure correctional and immigration landscape.