Amnesty International says Cyprus must stop locking up illegal migrants and asylum seekers while authorities determine their status.

The human rights group said in a report Tuesday that detentions can last months or years and sometimes take place under poor conditions. It says the practice "clearly violates Cyprus' human rights obligations."

The group says detentions shouldn't be used as a tool for regulating migration and that authorities should only resort to the measure if there are no effective alternatives.

It also urged Cyprus to repeal legislation criminalizing illegal entries on the island.