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164 Foreign Nationals Deported from Cypriot Prisons in Six Weeks

Published January 21, 2026, 17:18
164 Foreign Nationals Deported from Cypriot Prisons in Six Weeks

Over the past six weeks, from December 10th, 2025, the Cypriot government has deported 164 foreign nationals from prisons and detention centers. Additionally, 450 voluntary departures and 29 self-initiated returns were recorded, bringing the total number of departures to 643. Government sources emphasize that operations to locate irregular migrants are continuing at an intensive pace throughout Cyprus, aiming to alleviate overcrowding in prisons and effectively control illegal immigration. This effort is a priority for the government and has already yielded significant results. Simultaneously, measures are being implemented to strengthen voluntary returns, including the potential release of approximately 100 prisoners convicted of minor offenses who are foreign nationals. This process will be carried out with respect for existing legal and humanitarian frameworks. The decision to release prisoners is under discussion between the Attorney General's Office, the Ministry of Justice, and the Deputy Ministry of Foreigners and Migration. The goal is to create a mechanism that will facilitate voluntary returns while simultaneously reducing prison overcrowding. The government seeks a balance between reducing the prison population and effectively controlling illegal immigration. The implementation of the new measures is expected to continue to contribute to achieving this goal, according to government sources.

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