Cyprus repatriates 258 Vietnamese on special flight

The interior and foreign ministries in cooperation with the immigration department, police and the government of Vietnam on Friday, repatriated 258 Vietnamese nationals who were staying illegally in Cyprus.

The repatriations were voluntary, the ministry said and all 258 left Cyprus on a special flight.

“Through bilateral agreements with third countries and strengthening the cooperation of the Republic of Cyprus with international and European organisations such as Frontex, we are trying to maximize returns,” the statement said.

“In this context, the ministry of interior is already planning new voluntary return flights in the near future.”

The Cyprus government thanked those who contributed to the repatriation effort, especially the embassy of Vietnam and the Honorary Consul of Vietnam in Cyprus George Christofides.