More than 600 migrants have left Cyprus over the past six weeks through deportations and voluntary returns, as authorities step up efforts to curb irregular migration and ease overcrowding in prisons.
A total of 164 deportations of foreign nationals from detention centres and Central Prisons were carried out between 10 December 2025 and 20 January 2026, along with 450 voluntary departures and 29 self-initiated departures, according to government sources speaking to CNA.
Overcrowded prisons
The sources said operations to locate undocumented migrants are continuing at an intensified pace across Cyprus, alongside measures aimed at easing overcrowding at Central Prisons. They added that a government decision to prioritise the reduction of prison overcrowding in parallel with effective control of irregular migration is producing “significant results”.
Specifically, between 10 December 2025 and Tuesday, authorities carried out 164 deportations of foreign nationals from detention facilities and Central Prisons, 450 voluntary departures and 29 self-initiated departures - referring to individuals who were residing illegally in the Republic of Cyprus and chose to leave of their own accord. The total number of departures during the period stands at 643.
In the context of these actions, the sources recalled a statement by the President of the Republic announcing plans to implement further measures within January. They said consultations have been initiated between the Attorney General’s Office, the Ministry of Justice and the Deputy Ministry for Migration and International Protection on the implementation of mechanisms to strengthen voluntary returns.
These discussions include the possible release of around 100 foreign nationals serving sentences for non-serious offences, in line with existing legal and humanitarian frameworks, the same sources said.