Returns to third countries up by 8% in Q1 2026
In the first quarter of 2026, 108 475 non-EU citizens were ordered to leave an EU country, and 34 550 people were returned to third countries following an order to leave.
Compared with the first quarter of 2025, the number of non-EU citizens ordered to leave declined by 12.8%, while the number of people returned to third countries increased by 8.1%.
In comparison with the previous quarter, the number of non-EU citizens ordered to leave decreased by 7.9%, while the number of people returned to third countries increased by 2.0%.
Source datasets: migr_eiord1 and migr_eirtn1
Among non-EU citizens ordered to leave an EU country in the first quarter of 2026, most were citizens of Algeria (11 105), Morocco (6 435) and Syria (5 355). Regarding those returned to third countries, most were citizens of Türkiye (3 555), Georgia (2 060) and Albania (2 050).
The highest numbers of non-EU citizens ordered to leave were recorded in France (34 880), Germany (10 360) and Spain (9 275).
Germany (7 300), France (3 775) and Poland (2 660) recorded the highest numbers of people returned to third countries.
Source datasets: migr_eiord1 and migr_eirtn1
For more information
- Statistics Explained article on returns of irregular migrants – quarterly statistics
- Statistics Explained article on enforcement of immigration legislation statistics (annual data)
- Statistics Explained article on enforcement of immigration legislation statistics methodology
- Thematic section on managed migration
- Database on migration and asylum
- Migration and asylum in Europe – 2025 edition
- Migrant integration and inclusion dashboard
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