Specifically, Cyprus recorded 10,630 returns in 2025, compared with 8,910 in 2024, marking an annual increase. At the same time, 1,145 persons were refused entry into the Republic of Cyprus, a figure higher than in 2024, when 800 persons were denied entry.
At EU level, 132,600 third-country nationals were refused entry into EU territory at external borders in 2025, up 7.1% compared with 2024 (123,835).
Meanwhile, the number of third-country nationals found to be staying illegally in Member States decreased to 719,395 in 2025, compared with 918,525 in 2024 (-21.7%).
In the same year, 491,950 third-country nationals were issued with an order to leave EU territory, an increase of 5.8% compared with 2024 (464,985).
Correspondingly, 135,460 persons were removed to non-EU countries following such an order, recording an increase of 20.9% compared with 112,040 in 2024.
At Member State level, Germany recorded the highest number of returns with 29,295 cases, followed by France (14,940) and Sweden (11,250).
Among third-country nationals returned to a non-EU country, the largest groups were from Trkiye (13,405), Georgia (10,475), Syria (8,370) and Albania (8,020).