In the first quarter of 2024, 103,515 non-EU citizens were instructed to leave an EU country, with 30,570 of these individuals being returned to another country following an order to leave. This data, provided by Eurostat, highlights a 7% decrease in the number of non-EU citizens ordered to leave compared to the same period in 2023. Interestingly, the number of people returned to another country increased by 11% over the same timeframe.
Comparing these figures to the previous quarter, the number of orders to leave decreased by 2%, while the number of returns saw a 6% rise. The majority of those returned in the first quarter of 2024 were sent to countries outside the EU, making up 85% of the total returns. This trend reflects the ongoing efforts of EU countries to manage migration flows and enforce immigration policies.
The detailed data from Eurostat also shows that Algerian and Moroccan citizens had the largest share of the total non-EU citizens ordered to leave, each accounting for 7%. They were followed by Turks (6%) and Syrians and Georgians (each 5%). Among those who were returned to another country, citizens of Georgia made up the largest group at 9%, followed by Albania and Türkiye (each 6%), and Colombia, Morocco, Algeria, and Syria (each 4%).
Looking at the national data, France recorded the highest number of non-EU citizens ordered to leave with 34,190, followed by Germany with 15,400, and Belgium with 6,965. In terms of returns, France again topped the list with 4,205, followed by Germany with 3,950, and Sweden with 3,135. These numbers highlight the significant role that these countries play in the EU’s immigration enforcement efforts.
This comprehensive data set from Eurostat provides valuable insights into the current state of immigration enforcement in the EU. The decrease in orders to leave and the increase in returns indicate a complex and dynamic situation, with various factors influencing migration patterns and enforcement actions.