25,285 persons returned to third countries in Q2 2024

In comparison with the first quarter of 2024, the number of orders to leave decreased by 7%, while the number of returns to third countries declined by 3.9%.

The number of non-EU citizens ordered to leave dropped by 10%, while the number of people returned to third countries increased by 21.3% when compared with the same quarter of 2023.

Source datasets: migr_eiord1 and migr_eirtn1

Among non-EU citizens ordered to leave the territory of an EU country in this period, Algerian and Moroccan citizens had the largest share of the total (each with 7%), followed by Turks and Syrians (each with 6%). Among those returned to third countries, most were citizens of Georgia (10%), followed by Albania (8%) and Türkiye (7%).

Looking at national data, the highest numbers of non-EU citizens ordered to leave the territory of an EU country were recorded in France (31 195), Germany (12 885) and Greece (6 555).

France (3 555), Germany (2 830) and Sweden (2 360) recorded the highest number of people returned to third countries.

Source datasets: migr_eiord1 and migr_eirtn1

For more information

• Statistics Explained article on returns of irregular migrants – quarterly statistics
• Statistics Explained article on enforcement of immigration legislation statistics (annual data)
• Statistics Explained article on enforcement of immigration legislation statistics methodology
• Thematic section on managed migration
• Database on managed migration

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