Repatriations to third countries increased by six per cent in first quarter of 2025 compared to first quarter of 2024

Brussels – In the first quarter of 2025, 123,905 non-EU citizens received an order to leave the territory of an EU Member State, and 28,475 persons were actually repatriated to third countries following such an order.

Compared to the first quarter of 2024, the number of non-EU citizens subject to a removal order increased by 18.4 per cent, while the number of returns to third countries increased by 6.4 per cent.

Compared to the previous quarter, there was a 0.9 per cent decrease in the number of removal orders and a 4.3 per cent decrease in returns to third countries.

Of the non-EU nationals who were the subject of a removal order from the territory of a Member State during the reporting period, the majority were Algerian nationals (9,995), followed by Moroccans (7,450) and Syrians (6,915).

Regarding actual returns to third countries, the most represented nationalities were Georgia (2,170), followed by Syria (2,000) and Albania (1,865).