Finance

Cyprus receives requests to help evacuate Portugal, Slovakia citizens from Middle East

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on June 16, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 23, 2026

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Cyprus receives requests to help evacuate Portugal, Slovakia citizens from Middle East
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NICOSIA (Reuters) -Cyprus has received requests to assist in the evacuation of citizens of Portugal and Slovakia from the Middle East, Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said on Monday. “

Cyprus Assists in Evacuating Citizens of Portugal and Slovakia from Middle East

NICOSIA (Reuters) -Cyprus has received requests to assist in the evacuation of citizens of Portugal and Slovakia from the Middle East, Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said on Monday.

“There are two active requests,” Kombos told reporters. “Obviously this very much depends on the access of their civilians to neighbouring countries by road.”

Last week, Cyprus activated a mechanism to assist in the evacuation of third-country nationals from the Middle East region if required.

Its airports operator Hermes has said that dozens of flights from the Middle East had been diverted to airports in Larnaca and Paphos after most airlines halted flights to and from Israel following the start of its conflict with Iran.

With Iranian missiles hitting residential areas in Israeli cities, many foreigners are seeking ways out of the country. Croatia's ambassador in Israel on Monday said 28 of its citizens expressed a wish to be evacuated.

(Reporting by Michele Kambas; Writing by Daria Sito-Sucic; Editing by William Maclean and Bill Berkrot)

Key Takeaways

  • Cyprus receives requests to evacuate citizens from Portugal and Slovakia.
  • Cypriot Foreign Minister confirms two active requests.
  • Evacuations depend on access to neighboring countries.
  • Cyprus activated a mechanism for third-country evacuations.
  • Flights diverted to Larnaca and Paphos due to Middle East conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions

What requests has Cyprus received regarding evacuations?
Cyprus has received requests to assist in the evacuation of citizens of Portugal and Slovakia from the Middle East.
What factors influence the evacuation process?
The evacuation process depends on the access of civilians to neighboring countries by road.
What actions has Cyprus taken for evacuations?
Last week, Cyprus activated a mechanism to assist in the evacuation of third-country nationals from the Middle East region if required.
Why are many foreigners seeking to leave Israel?
Many foreigners are seeking ways out of Israel due to Iranian missiles hitting residential areas in Israeli cities.
What has been the impact on flights to and from Israel?
Most airlines have halted flights to and from Israel, leading to dozens of flights being diverted to airports in Larnaca and Paphos.

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