A new central prison will be constructed on the outskirts of Mathiatis, following widespread overcrowding at existing facilities, Justice Minister Costas Fitiris confirmed to the House human rights committee on Monday.

He said the current central prison holds 1,175 inmates, with roughly a third being pre-trial detainees, and said the overcrowding presented serious challenges to both staff and prisoner welfare.

The new facility, estimated at costing €300 million, will have a capacity for 1,500 inmates and will not house pre-trial detainees, who will remain in existing wings close to the courts for easier transport.

“The location has been presented to the community, and there is no objection to the construction,” Fitiris said.

The project forms part of Fitiris’ broader reform package to modernise Cyprus’ penitentiary system and improve safety and living conditions within the prisons.

In parallel, the detention centre for foreign nationals in Limnes is set to be completed by the end of April.

Illegal foreign inmates currently held in Menoyia will be transferred there, freeing the Menoyia facilities to accommodate minors, who are presently in a specialised wing of the central prisons.

Fitiris underlined that the measures are intended to relieve chronic overcrowding while segregating populations for improved management and security.

Prison unions have expressed both concern and cautious approval of the reforms.

The Pasydy union welcomed plans to build new facilities and recruit additional staff but warned that delays could deepen existing crises.

The union highlighted persistent understaffing and the heightened risks to both personnel and inmates, urging the government to set clear implementation timelines and involve staff in decision-making.

The Isotita union further praised Fitiris’ decision as a “victory for the logic of responsibility” after years of systemic strain.

Overcrowding has been exacerbated by a high proportion of foreign prisoners, who now make up approximately 60 per cent of the population, although recent deportations have seen 1,450 foreign inmates removed in the past two and a half months.

Fitiris said these measures were part of a coordinated approach to ensure the prison system operates safely and effectively, while also preparing the facilities for long-term reform.

The Mathiatis project marks a shift from expanding existing central prisons, which date back to the late 19th century.

The site’s isolation is intended to limit public safety concerns while providing adequate space for secure, purpose-built facilities.

Fitiris emphasised that architectural planning and construction procedures will begin imminently, with the aim of creating a correctional environment that allows better rehabilitation outcomes.

The minister had recently further announced the recruitment of 90 new prison guards, who will undergo mandatory training, alongside the reopening and upgrading of the prison guard training school.

Parliamentarians expressed strong support for the reforms, citing growing public concern over safety and the inadequacy of existing infrastructure.

MPs argued that modern prisons are essential to manage organised crime, maintain security and ensure humane conditions for inmates.