The Cypriot authorities reported a new low in illegal arrivals. In January–September 2026 there were 92% fewer of them than in the same period of 2022.

At the same time, the specific number of arrivals has not yet been disclosed. A year earlier the difference with 2022 was 86%.

At the same time, the island is increasingly returning migrants back or transferring them to other EU countries. In 2025, 12,029 people left Cyprus in this way.

The government attributes the changes to stricter procedures, new European rules, and the acceleration of returns.

Separately, the authorities are developing programs for those foreigners who are in Cyprus legally: learning the Greek language, assistance with employment, and professional training.

@cyprus_kipr