Cyprus recorded nearly 3,000 returns of non-EU citizens between July and September 2025, placing the country among the top European Union members enforcing migrant return decisions during the period, according to newly released EU data.
Across the European Union, a total of 115,440 non-EU citizens were ordered to leave EU territory during the third quarter of 2025. Out of this number, 34,155 people were actually returned to third countries, showing a significant gap between return orders and completed returns.
When compared to the same period in 2024, the data shows a 2.7 percent increase in return orders, while actual returns rose by 14.6 percent, suggesting stronger enforcement efforts by several EU member states. On a quarter-to-quarter basis, return orders fell slightly by 0.9 percent, but completed returns increased by 5 percent.
With around 3,000 returns, Cyprus ranked behind only Germany, which recorded 7,190 returns, and France, which reported 3,760 returns during the same period. The figures highlight Cyprus’ growing role in migrant return enforcement despite its smaller population size compared to other EU countries.
At the EU level, France recorded the highest number of non-EU citizens ordered to leave, with 33,760 cases, followed by Germany at 12,510, and Greece at 10,175. These figures reflect continued pressure on frontline and major destination countries within the bloc.
In terms of nationality, the majority of people ordered to leave EU countries were citizens of Algeria, followed by Morocco and Turkey, showing persistent migration flows from North Africa and parts of the Middle East.
Among those who were successfully returned to third countries, Turkish nationals formed the largest group, followed by migrants from Georgia and Albania, according to the data. EU authorities say nationality often plays a role in return success due to existing bilateral agreements.
The latest figures underline the European Union’s continued efforts to strengthen its migration and return policies, as member states face political pressure to reduce irregular migration while improving cooperation with countries of origin.