Germany Deports More Individuals to Turkey and Iraq in 2024
Increased Deportations to Turkey
In 2024, Germany significantly increased the number of deportations to Turkey from 875 in 2022 to 1,087. This represents a notable increase of 24.6%. The total number of deportations to Turkey since 2022 has more than doubled, rising from 515 to 1,087.
Surge in Deportations to Iraq
Another significant increase was observed in deportations to Iraq, with 699 individuals forcibly returned in 2024. This marks a more than double increase compared to the 300 deportations in 2023. The rise in deportations to Iraq is a departure from the previous trend, as the country had not been a major destination for German deportations in recent years.
Overall Increase in Deportations
Overall, Germany deported a total of 20,084 individuals in 2024, marking a 22% increase from 2023. According to the German government, 5,827 of these deportations involved Dublin transfers, where asylum seekers are returned to another EU member state responsible for their asylum application.
Main Target Countries of Deportation
The primary destinations for deportations from Germany were Georgia and North Macedonia. Turkey took third place, followed by Albania and Serbia. The increase in deportations has raised concerns from human rights groups, particularly regarding the conditions in Turkey and the potential for individuals to face persecution or human rights violations upon their return.
Challenges in Processing Syrian Asylum Applications
Syrian nationals continue to be the most significant group filing asylum applications in Germany. However, due to the ongoing instability and conflict in Syria, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has temporarily suspended decisions on their applications. According to the Ministry of the Interior, BAMF is still examining whether Syrian applicants can be transferred to other EU countries under the Dublin procedure.
Government Focus on Expelling "Islamist Violent Offenders"
Following violent incidents in Germany, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser expressed her intention to prioritize deporting "Islamist violent offenders." The government has been negotiating with various countries to facilitate deportations to Syria and Afghanistan. In August 2023, with the assistance of Qatar, 28 male offenders were deported to Afghanistan.
Concerns over Deportations to Turkey
Clara Bünger, a member of the left-wing Die Linke party, has voiced her concern over the increasing number of deportations to Turkey, emphasizing the country’s history of suppressing opposition and human rights violations. She has called for more cautious and compassionate handling of deportations to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals being returned.
