The justice and deputy migration ministries have recorded 195 deportations, 729 voluntary departures and 204 arrests since March, according to figures released on Thursday.

In a joint statement, the ministries describe the initiative as “a joint strategy for managing migration flows, involving continuous operational activity by police and immigration services”.

The same period also saw 256 irregular arrivals recorded.

From January 1 to date, authorities report a total of 535 deportations, 2,052 voluntary departures, 578 arrests and 529 irregular arrivals.

Officials said the data reflects “joint planning and continuous operational action” between the relevant services.

The statement further assured that operations are being carried out nationwide, with enforcement activity focused on cases of illegal stay and employment.

Authorities stated that efforts include detention in police facilities, the central prisons and the Limnes migrant facility.

A parallel government working group, established earlier this year, continues to examine cases of third-country nationals who have challenged detention or deportation orders in court but remain in Cyprus after legal proceedings have concluded.

Police figures cited in previous reporting show that returns have increased over recent years, with 11,500 people leaving Cyprus in 2025 following voluntary or forced return procedures, compared with 10,092 in 2024 and 9,699 in 2023.

Over the same period, arrivals have declined sharply, with approximately 2,400 irregular arrivals recorded in 2025 compared with 6,109 in 2024 and 10,994 in 2023.

Authorities attribute part of the reduction to changes in regional migration patterns, particularly fewer arrivals from Syria following the state’s relative stabilisation under the new regime.

Despite the decline, Cyprus continues to rank among the higher receiving EU member states for irregular arrivals relative to population size, while also recording a high number of international protection applications.