Europe Tightens Migration Policy: Deportations on the Rise 0 16

Over the past four years, the number of new migrants entering the EU has been steadily decreasing. The figures fell from 5.4 million to 4.5 million people in 2024, a reduction of 24%.

This is reported by bb.lv, citing Euronews.

Statistics for 2025 also show a decline. Only 361,000 people received protection status, the lowest figure in the last six years.

However, the number of repatriation orders is increasing. Last year, authorities issued nearly half a million such decisions. Although only a third actually return, the number of expulsions at 155,000 has become a record since the beginning of the decade.

Why Europe is Increasing Pressure on Migrants

European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner stated during his speech at Europe in Motion that they are in the final stage of a major reform.

"With it, we are strengthening the protection of our external borders by implementing the most advanced border management system in the world - the entry/exit system," he said.

The bloc is enhancing cooperation with other countries. The main goal is to stop illegal border crossings and curb human smuggling.

Who is Being Sent Home the Most

In 2025, citizens of Turkey were sent home most frequently, with their numbers exceeding 13,000. Next on the list are Georgians - 10,475 people, Syrians, and Albanians.

Germany is currently acting the toughest, with Berlin carrying out nearly 30,000 actual expulsions in the last year. France deported 15,000 people, while Sweden sent back more than 11,000. Spain issued 54,000 orders, and the Netherlands 32,000.

Interestingly, France issues the most expulsion papers. They issued 138,000 repatriation orders. However, there is a nuance: most people who received such a document in France ultimately remained in the country.

Why do plans not always become reality? Authorities often cannot establish a person's country of origin. Sometimes health issues or the status of being a minor interfere.

Poland has Become the Main Barrier at the EU Border

The number of refusals of entry into Europe is also increasing. In 2025, entry into EU countries was denied to approximately 133,000 people.

The main reason for refusals is often the lack of a clear purpose for the trip — this accounts for about a third of all cases.

Poland is the most active in turning away migrants, where nearly 30,000 people were denied at the border. France ranks second with about 12,000 refusals.

Another approximately 17% of cases are related to violations of stay periods or the absence of valid visas.

According to the editorial team of bb.lv, Europe’s migration policy is gradually becoming significantly stricter. Against the backdrop of increasing political pressure within the EU, countries are increasingly focusing on strengthening border control and expediting deportations; however, European authorities have not yet managed to fully resolve the issue of illegal migration.