South Cyprus Activates Repatriation Plan as Regional Conflict Traps Citizens Abroad

According to reports in the south, the number of citizens who have registered for assistance is estimated at around 600. Most of them are believed to be in the United Arab Emirates, particularly in Dubai, where they were visiting at the time the conflict escalated.

The Greek Cypriot Foreign Ministry said it remains in constant contact with registered citizens through its “connect2cy” platform and is providing guidance amid uncertainty caused by airspace restrictions in the region.

Authorities announced that accommodation costs for Greek Cypriots currently in Abu Dhabi will be covered by the government, while support efforts for those in Dubai are continuing. Passengers travelling with Emirates will have their expenses covered by the airline, while others have been asked to update their flight details on the registration platform to allow better coordination.

A small number of Greek Cypriots in other affected countries are expected to return once airspace restrictions are lifted.

Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos, speaking at an extraordinary meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, said: “Our priority is the safe return of our citizens,” underlining the importance of coordination and the flow of information.

Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said South Cyprus remains operationally ready and will act as soon as conditions allow. He added that the administration continues to fulfil its humanitarian role in the region and that official requests are being assessed responsibly and positively.

Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides also said the government’s focus remains on security and humanitarian assistance, noting that contacts with European and regional leaders are ongoing. Officials urged Greek Cypriots abroad to rely only on information from official sources and to continue registering through the designated platform.

Meanwhile, late on Sunday night, an unmanned aerial vehicle reportedly struck the British air base in Akrotiri, causing minor material damage but no injuries. Following the incident, the Greek Cypriot National Security Council convened in an extraordinary session.

Greek Cypriot authorities reiterated that South Cyprus is not taking part in any military operation and is not a target, adding that assistance could also be extended to other countries under the existing evacuation framework if an official request is made.