EU Orders Over 96,000 Non-EU Citizens to Leave in Q2 2024

The European Union (EU) has issued removal orders to a significant number of non-EU citizens in the first half of 2024.

According to Eurostat, the EU’s statistical office, a total of 96,115 non-EU citizens received removal orders with 25,285 individuals complying and returning to their home nations in the second quarter of this year.

Decline in Removal Orders & Return

While the number of removal orders has decreased compared to the previous quarter, it remains substantial. In the second quarter, the EU issued seven percent fewer removal orders than in the first quarter of 2024.

Compared to the first quarter of this year, there has been a 7% decrease in the number of removal orders issued. Similarly, returns to third countries have also dropped by 3.9%.

When compared to the same quarter in 2023, however, the situation has shifted. Removal orders saw a 10% decline, but returns to third countries increased significantly by 21.3%.

Must Read: EU Entry-Exit System Delayed Again: France, Germany Cite Readiness Concerns

Nationals Ordered to Leave

The data shows that Algerian and Moroccan nationals represented the largest group of individuals ordered to leave, each making up 7% of the total. Turkish and Syrian citizens followed closely at 6%.

In terms of returns, Georgian nationals led the numbers, accounting for 10%, followed by Albanians at 8%, and Turkish nationals at 7%.

Country-Specific Data

France issued the highest number of removal orders, with 31,195 individuals ordered to leave the country. Germany (12,885) and Greece (6,555) followed. Regarding returns, France again led with 3,555 individuals returned, while Germany saw 2,830 returns, and Sweden recorded 2,360.

Must Read: EU Cabin Baggage Rules Explained: What You Need to Know for Your Next Flight

Over 107,000 Non-EU Citizens Ordered to Leave in 2023

Eurostat’s data from 2023 shows a continued trend in removal orders and returns. From July to September 2023, over 107,135 non-EU citizens were ordered to leave EU territory, reflecting a 4% drop compared to the same period in 2022.

Rise in Returns

Despite the decline in removal orders, returns saw a positive increase. A total of 27,095 individuals were returned to their home countries, marking a 12% rise in the third quarter of 2023.

Key Nationalities in Leave Orders

Moroccan citizens represented the largest share of leave orders during this period, making up 8% of the total. Syrians and Algerians followed, each contributing 7% of the orders. Afghan, Turkish, and Georgian nationals also made up a significant portion, each ranging between 6-7%.

Also Read: EU Sets Record with 3.7 Million Residence Permits Issued in 2023

Majority of Returns Outside the EU

Eurostat reported that 81% of those who complied with leave orders were sent to countries outside the EU, further highlighting the region’s enforcement of immigration regulations.

Final Words

This trend showcases ongoing efforts by EU countries to manage immigration, with fluctuating numbers of removals and returns. These changes reflect both the challenges and adaptations in handling non-EU citizen migration across the region.