Foreign employees blocked abroad can return
Foreign licensed workers who were stranded abroad due to airspace closures in the Middle East will now be able to enter Cyprus, the Ministry of Migration and International Protection confirmed. At least 400 employees had been affected as of last week.
The ongoing conflict disrupted air travel, preventing workers from returning within the three-month period allowed by their permits, which would normally have expired automatically.
Emergency measures approved
In response, the Ministry implemented temporary emergency measures to extend the validity of residence and entry permits. These include:
- Current residence permit holders: Allowed to enter Cyprus with their existing permit until 30 April 2026, provided the three-month absence occurred after 28 February 2026.
- Applicants with proof of renewal submission: Permitted to enter until 30 April 2026 while the application remains pending or approved, under the same three-month condition.
- Entry permit holders expiring 1–31 March 2026: Can enter Cyprus until 30 April 2026, regardless of the original expiry date, ensuring at least one additional month for entry.
Ministry emphasises temporary nature
The Ministry clarified that all measures are temporary and justified due to force majeure caused by the conflict, not the fault of affected individuals. Authorities will review the situation to decide whether further extensions are necessary, depending on developments in air connectivity with the Middle East.
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