Cyprus illegal migrant sweep

Police in Cyprus rounded up hundreds of mainly Asian and Arab migrant workers yesterday in a bid to crack down on illegal migration, authorities said.

More than 700 foreigners were led to police headquarters in the capital Nicosia for identity checks.

"We are trying to ascertain who is legal and who is illegally here," a police spokesman said.

Authorities believe there are thousands of illegal blue-collar workers on the east Mediterranean island.

Police recently blamed foreigners for a surge in crime, drawing criticism from immigrant support groups. A mere 96 kilometres from Lebanon and Syria, Cyprus is seen as an easy target for illegal migration with hundreds lured to the island by the prospect of almost immediate employment in its buoyant construction sector.