Nicosia, Cyprus. Legal authorities and international organisations raised concerns over a proposal to allow courts to order the deportation of foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes. The bill was discussed on Wednesday at the House legal affairs committee.
Proposal and committee discussion
The proposal, submitted by Disy MP Nicos Tornaritis, would introduce judicial deportation as an additional penalty that courts could impose on foreign nationals from third countries convicted of serious offences. Officials at the committee warned the measure could conflict with existing procedures and raise legal and human rights complications.
Supporters’ arguments
Supporters said the measure would align Cyprus with other European states that allow deportation following criminal convictions. Tornaritis told the committee the proposal was intended to strengthen public safety and mirror practices applied elsewhere in Europe.
Concerns over existing procedures
Legal service representatives said Cyprus already has an administrative system capable of deporting individuals who pose a threat to public order. They said introducing a court-ordered deportation penalty could blur the line between criminal sentencing and immigration procedures.
A legal service representative described the existing administrative mechanism as “quite effective” and said it allows authorities to act quickly when foreigners are deemed dangerous.
International obligations and refoulement
The legal service also questioned whether a criminal court would have access to the full information necessary to make deportation decisions without risking breaches of international obligations. Particular concern was expressed about avoiding refoulement, which prevents the return of individuals to countries where they may face persecution or danger.
How do you think Cyprus should balance public safety with its legal and human rights obligations in deportation decisions?
