Türkiye has recently intensified its crackdown on irregular migration, capturing over 4,040 migrants and approximately 200 smugglers in just one month. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya made this announcement on October 8, 2024, as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal arrivals driven by war and economic hardships in various regions. The Turkish police and gendarmerie have been conducting continuous operations across the country throughout September, leading to significant arrests.
Yerlikaya reported that authorities arrested 82 smugglers, while 31 others were released on probation. Additionally, around 107 vehicles used for smuggling activities were seized during these operations. The captured migrants have been handed over to provincial migration directorates for deportation processes. This aggressive approach reflects Türkiye’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by increasing irregular migration.
Historically, Türkiye has been a key migration destination since the 1980s, currently hosting more than 4.4 million foreign residents. This includes over 3.1 million Syrians under temporary protection, as well as approximately 228,290 individuals who hold the status of international protection. The country also accommodates more than 1.1 million people with residence permits. However, the rise of irregular migration continues to be a concern, as many undocumented migrants, especially those overstaying their limited visas, contribute to this growing issue.
The majority of intercepted irregular migrants are Afghans and Syrians, followed by individuals from Palestine, Turkmenistan, Morocco, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, and Sudan. Over the past decade, Türkiye has become a transit route for thousands of asylum seekers aiming to reach European countries, particularly Greece. Many migrants opt for dangerous sea routes, risking their lives in unseaworthy boats and dinghies, often under the guidance of unscrupulous smugglers.
Since 2020, the number of intercepted irregular migrants has significantly increased due to improved operations by the Turkish coast guard. In 2020, the coast guard intercepted around 20,380 migrants, which rose to 23,676 in 2021. The numbers continued to climb, with 49,518 migrants intercepted in 2022 and 56,954 in 2023. Alongside this surge in migrant interceptions, the number of captured smugglers has also risen, with 169 smugglers apprehended in 2023, compared to 293 in 2022.
To combat this challenge, Türkiye is implementing new measures along its borders, balancing humanitarian policies with the need to prevent dangerous crossings. Recent discussions between Türkiye and Greece have suggested a revival of the 2016 EU deal aimed at regulating migration. Earlier this month, Ankara signed an agreement with Iraq concerning the voluntary return of Iraqi citizens living in Türkiye, emphasizing a more sustainable and secure approach to migration management. As part of these efforts, Türkiye is also reinforcing its eastern borders against illegal crossings, particularly in light of Iran’s recent announcement to deport around 2 million undocumented migrants.
In the eastern province of Van, where Türkiye shares its longest border with Iran, security measures have been heightened to combat irregular migration and smuggling. A concrete wall is under construction along a stretch of about 180 kilometers (112 miles), while surveillance towers equipped with thermal cameras monitor the border area, enhancing security against potential illegal crossings.