Alpha News

Deportation or Trial: Fate of Foreigners Arrested for Lárnaca Violence

Published January 20, 2026, 14:36

The Cyprus Police are on high alert following serious incidents in Lárnaca, aiming to prevent criminal activity and enhance public safety. As part of this effort, an operation was carried out to arrest 31 illegally residing individuals, seven of whom have already been deported. The Alien and Immigration Service (YAM) emphasizes the link between illegal immigration and national security and public order. The government is seeking the immediate removal of migrants involved in serious crimes from Cyprus and their inclusion on a list of entry bans. YAM has mapped areas where concentrations of illegal immigrants or increased crime are observed, in order to intensify its operations. However, the deportation process often faces difficulties, such as securing travel documents and the refusal of third countries to accept the return of their citizens. In cases where there are criminal liabilities, foreigners are first brought to justice and, if convicted, serve a prison sentence before being deported. There is also the possibility of not prosecuting foreigners involved in offenses if their removal from Cyprus serves the public interest.