First mobile immigration raids in Lefkoşa lead to detention of illegal residents

Lefkoşa, 12 August 2025 — Immigration control operations carried out in the Küçükkaymaklı and Surlariçi districts have led to the detection and detention of individuals residing in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus without valid permits.

According to the Ministry of Interior, the inspections were conducted by the Migration Management Centre, operating under the ministry, as part of government efforts to address the issue of undocumented residents. The Lefkoşa-based operation marked the first in a planned series of coordinated checks.

During the mobile inspections, authorities verified the residency status of individuals in the targeted areas. Those found to be living in the country illegally were taken into custody, with legal proceedings initiated against them.

In a statement, the Interior Ministry confirmed that the individuals identified during the raids were transferred to the Return Centre by police and that the legal process is now underway. The ministry also emphasised that such inspections will continue periodically across the country, underscoring its commitment to combating illegal residence.