Greek Cypriot police to hold documents of foreigners working in the south when they go to north Cyprus

Greek Cypriot police will now temporary hold the documents of third country nationals crossing over to the north Cyprus so they don't exit the island via the Ercan Airport in north Cyprus.

Police at the crossings between north and south Cyprus will start holding the residence documents of third-country nationals who are employed in south Cyprus  and then given back the documents when they return back to the south from the north.

This is aimed at stopping the rising number of third-country who work as domestic helpers in the south from traveling to other EU countries through Ercan Airport in north Cyprus.

According to the report, insiders said that – for years now – a number of Cypriot employers who pay hefty fees for residence and work permits for third-country nationals are being taken advantage of.

Specifically, shortly after they start working in the south, they cross over to the north and then fly to EU member states – especially Portugal and Austria – since they have a valid union document secured by the Cyprus authorities.