Police arrested nine individuals on Thursday in the Larnaca district as part of an operation targeting illegal employment and the unauthorised hiring of foreign nationals.

The operation focused on construction sites for apartment buildings in a village in Larnaca municipality. During inspections, nine individuals were found working on site. Six were determined to be residing in the Republic illegally, while the others were asylum seekers whose applications are still under review.

All nine were arrested on charges related to illegal employment and unauthorised work.

Their employers were also called in for questioning at the police station.

Labour inspectors from the labour ministry, who were called in as part of the operation, identified violations relating to undeclared work.

As a result, the employers were issued fines totalling €36,000.

Police said coordinated efforts to combat illegal employment will continue.