Shock for Turkish citizens in Europe: At the top of the deportation list

Turkish citizens have topped the list for deportations of individuals residing illegally in European Union (EU) countries as of 2025. According to current data published by the EU Statistical Office, it was reported that 13 thousand 405 Turkish citizens were sent to third countries throughout the year.

The total number of third-country nationals turned away from the EU's external borders last year reached 132 thousand 600, showing a 7.1 percent increase compared to the 123 thousand 835 people in 2024. However, detections of illegal presence in EU countries decreased by 21.7 percent, falling from 918 thousand 525 to 719 thousand 395.

In 2025, there was also an increase in the number of people ordered by the EU to leave the country, with this figure rising by 5.8 percent to 491 thousand 950. Germany stood out among those deported; it was announced that 29 thousand 295 people were returned from this country. Following Germany, 14 thousand 940 people were deported from France, and 11 thousand 250 from Sweden.

While Turkey was at the top of the list of those deported with 13 thousand 405 people, it was followed by Georgia with 10 thousand 475 people, Syria with 8 thousand 370 people, and Albania with 8 thousand 20 people.

While the number of people sent from the EU to third countries was 112 thousand 40 in 2024, this figure reached 135 thousand 460 in 2025, an increase of 20.9 percent. Data analysis revealed that migration policies in Europe are becoming increasingly stringent and enforcement is intensifying.

News Source: 12punto