A total of 168 individuals found to be living in Cyprus illegally have been deported and repatriated to their countries of origin in the past week, police said on Friday.

The figures encompass both voluntary and forced return procedures. Specifically, 130 individuals went back through the voluntary return process and 38 through the forced return process.

From the beginning of 2024 until the September 10, there have been 7,338 people repatriated who were found to be living in Cyprus illegally.

The figure for the corresponding period last year, stood at 6,491.

Police said it continues to focus its efforts on maximizing the number of repatriations of third country nationals residing illegally in the Republic of Cyprus, in coordination with other competent services.