Police and the foreign ministry carried out over 2,300 deportations or returns of third-country nationals so far this year.

According to the police announcement, of the 2,332 deportations or returns, 304 concerned persons in custody.

Police added that some 16 nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo who were in detention have been deported from Cyprus.

The group returned to their country of origin under police escort on Tuesday.

The deportation was carried out by a joint operation of the aliens and immigration service, in cooperation with the Belgian authorities and the European border and coast guard agency Frontex.

According to police, since January 1 to date, the aliens and immigration service has carried out three other joint operations for the forced return of third-country nationals from Congo, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Another one is expected to take place on June 28 this year for the forced return of 17 third-country nationals.