Cyprus establishes inter-ministerial team to accelerate deportations

The Cypriot government has formed a special coordination team comprising members of the Ministry of Justice and Public Order and the Deputy Ministry of Migration. This initiative aims to address cases of foreign nationals who refuse to leave Cyprus despite having their residency appeals or detention challenges rejected by courts. The team will examine individual cases to ensure legal and European Union procedures are strictly followed. It focuses on individuals who remain in the country illegally or have been convicted of crimes but refuse to return to their countries of origin. Previously, deportations relied on voluntary repatriation with European Union-funded financial support or mandatory removal when the country of origin accepted the return. Government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis stated that this action is part of a broader, continuous effort to increase deportation rates and reduce irregular arrivals. Reports also indicate that a separate plan intended to decongest prisons by deporting approximately 130 foreign prisoners is currently experiencing delays.