Eight foreign nationals detained in North Cyprus for illegal stay spanning over 14 years

Police in Lefkoşa, north Cyprus have arrested eight foreign nationals found to be residing illegally in the country for a combined total of 14 years and 226 days. 

The suspects identified as HOE, WPM, MO, DTO, (Nigeria); MAE (Sudan); and SKM along with TAK (Zimbabwe) — were brought before the court on charges of unlawful residence. were brought before the court on Saturday August 30.

The police told the court that on August 29, 2025, at around 13:10, officers from the Lefkoşa Police Directorate’s Crime Prevention Unit carried out immigration checks during a routine patrol. 

The operation revealed that: H.O.E. had been residing illegally in northern Cyprus since September 30, 2024 for— 273 days, W.P.M. since December 4, 2022 — 999 days, M.O. since June 3, 2021 — 1,548 days, M.A.E.A. since March 17, 2022 — 530 days, E.O. since September 30, 2023 — 639 days, S.K.M. since September 30, 2024 — 273 days, T.A.K. since September 30, 2024 — 273 days, and D.T.O. since June 15, 2023 — 806 days.

The investigation confirmed that all eight individuals had been living in North Cyprus without valid residence permits.

The police informed the court that the suspects were immediately taken into custody and that further statements would be collected as part of the inquiry. Correspondence will also be initiated with the Ministry of Interior regarding their immigration status. Authorities confirmed that deportation procedures will follow.

After reviewing the evidence, the judge granted the police request for a three-day remand, stressing the need for a thorough investigation.