Nicosia: From December 10, 2025, until January 20, 2026, 164 deportations of foreigners from detention centers and the Central Prison have taken place, government sources have told CNA.
According to Cyprus News Agency, operations to identify illegal immigrants and the flexible management for the decongestion of the Nicosia Central Prisons continue at an intensive pace throughout Cyprus. A decision coordinated with priority by the Government aims to address the overcrowding in prisons, alongside effective control of illegal immigration, and is yielding significant results.
Between December 10, 2025, and January 20, 2026, 164 foreigners were deported from detention centers and the Central Jail. Additionally, there were 450 voluntary departures and 29 other voluntary departures, involving people who were illegally in the Republic of Cyprus and chose to leave voluntarily, totaling 643 individuals.
It is recalled that the President of the Republic had announced measures in January. Consultations have taken place between the General Prosecutor’s Office, the Ministry of Justice, and the Deputy Ministry of Immigration for implementing mechanisms to enhance voluntary returns. This includes the possible release of approximately 100 prisoners convicted of non-serious offenses who are foreigners, respecting legal and humanitarian frameworks, the same sources said.