Are Indians taking over Cyprus? Viral video claims 'looking like Bombay'; raises debate online

A 2026 survey by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace called the US the "epicentre of anti-Indian digital racism." However, in the past few months, anti-Indian rhetoric has grown far and wide across the globe, not just in America.

From New Zealand to Canada and now Cyprus, civilians have been raising voices against the immigration of the Indian demographic in their countries.In a video that has quickly gained traction on X (formerly Twitter), Indians can be seen roaming the streets of Cyprus, an island country in the Middle East. While some are walking through the promenades, others can be seen waiting at a bus stop and playing volleyball on the beach.Shared by a UK-based influencer Keira Diss, the post said the Mediterranean island is looking 'more like Bombay lately.' "Around 15,000 in number, the Indian community today is considerable, considering that the country’s population is just over 1 million. I have friends who live there who say it’s really changed," added the caption.

Many in the comments echoed the claim. "I'm currently in Cyprus and I have been shocked by how many are here.

It wasn't like this even just two years ago," wrote one X user."Lived in Limassol from 2009-2014 and I don't remember seeing any Indians there or in Larnaca," added another."Is there any country on the planet that has improved after importing thousands of Indians? It seems to be a civilisation's death sentence," claimed one."Like every country in Europe. We have given our countries and culture away," one said.According to most netizens, the place in the video is Larnaca, a port city on the southern coast of the country.

"This is Larnaca. Twenty years ago, it was the most Greek of the larger Cypriot towns," shared one.

Why are Indians moving to Cyprus?

Cyprus has a total population of approximately 1.5 million where about 14,979 are Indians, as per a report by World Population Review. The movement began with the country's 'golden visa' programme launched in 2007, where residency or citizenship could be acquired via investment. Continued till 2020, the programme saw 66 Indians obtain Cyprus passports within three months to a year.Indian real estate billionaire Surendra Hiranandani, cofounder of the Hiranandani Group and Anish Bhatt, better known as Watch Anish are some of the famous Indian personalities who have opted for Cypriot citizenship in the past.Now, the country offers a Permanent Residency by Investment Programme. It allows non-EU nationals to obtain permanent residency rights by making a qualified investment in the country with a minimum value of €300,000 EUR and securing an annual income of €50,000 EUR from abroad. Cyprus has a high demand for talent in IT, software development, healthcare, digital marketing and more. Moreover, with a coastal surrounding and a mix of Turkish and Greek culture, it offers an ideal attraction for Indians.