Cyprus Police arrested dozens of people living illegally on the island during a coordinated sting operation on Sunday morning. Led by the Aliens and Immigration Service (AIS), the sweep spanned four districts and marks the latest push in the government’s intensifying repatriation drive.
Multi-District Raids
Officers conducted simultaneous raids across Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol, and Famagusta. During the operation, authorities identified and detained 31 third-country nationals found to be residing in the Republic without legal permits. All detainees remain in custody as officials initiate immediate repatriation proceedings.
Repatriation Figures Surge as Arrivals Drop
New data released following the raids highlights a significant shift in migration trends for 2025 compared to the previous year:
| Metric | 2024 (Total) | 2025 (Year-to-Date) |
| Repatriations | 10,092 | 11,500 |
| Illegal Arrivals | 6,109 | 2,400 |
The figures show that while illegal arrivals have plummeted by more than half, the AIS has successfully increased the volume of returns, surpassing last year’s total by over 1,400 individuals. Police confirmed that daily operations to locate and deport those without legal status will continue indefinitely.