Cyprus has moved decisively to regain control over irregular migration, announcing that 643 foreign nationals have left the country in the last six weeks through a combination of deportations and assisted voluntary returns.
According to government figures reported by Politis News, authorities removed 164 people directly from detention centres and the Central Prisons between 10 December 2025 and 20 January 2026. A further 450 migrants accepted state-funded voluntary-return packages, while 29 financed their own departure. The campaign is being coordinated by an inter-ministerial “returns task-force” created in December that pools police intelligence, prison data and asylum-case files to fast-track travel-document procurement with countries of origin.
For companies and travellers needing to stay on the right side of Cypriot immigration rules, VisaHQ offers a one-stop online service that simplifies visa applications, work-permit renewals and document preparation; details of the requirements and electronic forms can be found at https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/.
![Cyprus accelerates migrant removals, logging 643 returns since mid-December]()
Officials say the push serves a dual purpose: easing chronic overcrowding in Cyprus’ prisons and demonstrating to Brussels that the island can manage its external EU border ahead of its hoped-for Schengen accession in 2026. Charter flights arranged through the EU border agency Frontex have cut red tape and transport costs, while liaison officers from Europol and Eurojust are helping to verify identities and criminal records before removal.
For employers, the stepped-up enforcement means that staff found to be working without valid residence status now face swifter detention and removal. Mobility managers are urged to audit payrolls, review third-party contractor compliance and make use of Cyprus’ fast-track work-permit channels for critical skills. Lawyers note that the government is also examining incentives—such as modest cash grants and flight subsidies—to persuade another 100 low-risk detainees to leave voluntarily in February.
Neighbouring EU states are watching closely: Malta and Greece have both sent observers to evaluate the Cypriot model of pooling prison, police and asylum databases. If the initiative continues at its current pace, Cyprus could surpass last year’s record of 10,092 returns well before mid-2026, strengthening its case for full Schengen participation.
According to government figures reported by Politis News, authorities removed 164 people directly from detention centres and the Central Prisons between 10 December 2025 and 20 January 2026. A further 450 migrants accepted state-funded voluntary-return packages, while 29 financed their own departure. The campaign is being coordinated by an inter-ministerial “returns task-force” created in December that pools police intelligence, prison data and asylum-case files to fast-track travel-document procurement with countries of origin.
For companies and travellers needing to stay on the right side of Cypriot immigration rules, VisaHQ offers a one-stop online service that simplifies visa applications, work-permit renewals and document preparation; details of the requirements and electronic forms can be found at https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/.
Officials say the push serves a dual purpose: easing chronic overcrowding in Cyprus’ prisons and demonstrating to Brussels that the island can manage its external EU border ahead of its hoped-for Schengen accession in 2026. Charter flights arranged through the EU border agency Frontex have cut red tape and transport costs, while liaison officers from Europol and Eurojust are helping to verify identities and criminal records before removal.
For employers, the stepped-up enforcement means that staff found to be working without valid residence status now face swifter detention and removal. Mobility managers are urged to audit payrolls, review third-party contractor compliance and make use of Cyprus’ fast-track work-permit channels for critical skills. Lawyers note that the government is also examining incentives—such as modest cash grants and flight subsidies—to persuade another 100 low-risk detainees to leave voluntarily in February.
Neighbouring EU states are watching closely: Malta and Greece have both sent observers to evaluate the Cypriot model of pooling prison, police and asylum databases. If the initiative continues at its current pace, Cyprus could surpass last year’s record of 10,092 returns well before mid-2026, strengthening its case for full Schengen participation.
