On Sunday, March 29, the first block of a new migrant detention center was opened in the Limnes area of Larnaca. All foreign nationals who had previously been held in Menoyia were transferred to the new facility. This decision is part of a broader reform of the country’s migration system.
According to the Ministry of Justice and Public Order, the launch of the center is an important step in developing state infrastructure. It will allow for more efficient management of migration flows and reduce the burden on older facilities, which have been significantly overcrowded.
Modern conditions and new capabilities
The new complex in Limnes has been built in line with European standards and is designed to improve the overall efficiency of the system. It includes separate residential areas, medical facilities, and modern digital case management systems that speed up deportation procedures and status reviews.
Authorities emphasize that special attention is given not only to security and order, but also to the protection of human rights. Conditions are being created to ensure more humane accommodation and better organization of processes within the center.
Part of a stricter migration policy
The opening of the center comes amid tightening migration policies both in Cyprus and across the European Union. In 2026, the EU is increasingly promoting measures to accelerate the return of migrants who have not been granted asylum, including the creation of specialized centers and extended detention periods. Cyprus, which records one of the highest numbers of asylum applications per capita, is strengthening controls and speeding up deportation procedures.
What comes next
Construction of the center is ongoing, with full completion expected by the end of 2026. Further expansion is planned, including facilities for families, educational areas, and additional administrative capacity.
Authorities believe the new center will help process cases more quickly, reduce detention times, and improve the overall efficiency of the country’s migration system. At the same time, it signals that Cyprus intends to continue tightening control over illegal migration while maintaining a balance between security and human rights.