Frontex deploys return team to Cyprus

Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, deployed a team of forced return escort and support officers at Larnaca Branch of the Aliens and Immigration Unit in Cyprus.  

The team consists of four standing corps officers, who are tasked to provide support with assisted voluntary returns as well as perform ground support and escorting tasks. Prior to the deployment, the team was trained by the Cypriot authorities to ensure efficient cooperation and integration with local officers. 

Frontex has also deployed teams of forced-return escort and support officers in five other Member States: Italy, Germany, The Netherlands, Austria and France.   

So far this year, Frontex has assisted in returning more than 18 350 people, out of which over 39% returned on a voluntary basis. All the non-EU nationals returned with Frontex’s support were not entitled to remain in the EU upon decision of the relevant national authorities in the Member States.