The number of people deported from Germany has risen significantly this year, according to new figures released by the federal government. Between January and September, authorities carried out 17,651 deportations, compared with 14,706 during the same period last year — an increase of roughly 20 percent.
Turkey and Georgia top the list of destinations
Most deportations involved people sent back to Turkey (1,614) and Georgia (1,379), according to the government’s response. While public debate around deportations often focuses on so-called “dangerous individuals” from countries such as Afghanistan or Syria, the statistics reveal that the majority of those affected come from other nations.
Another striking detail: around one in five deportees (3,095 individuals) was a child or teenager.
Criticism from opposition
Left Party interior affairs spokesperson Clara Bünger condemned the rise in deportations, accusing the authorities of disregarding humanitarian concerns. “When it comes to increasing the deportation figures, officials seem to know almost no limits,” Bünger told the newspaper.
She criticized what she called “mass deportations” to countries like Turkey, where opposition groups, Kurds, and left-wing activists continue to face repression. “Under the current political climate in Germany, this appears to be of little concern,” she added.
Political background
The German government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has pledged to tighten migration and asylum rules following growing pressure from several state governments. The administration argues that deportations of those without legal residence are necessary to maintain public trust in the immigration system.
Human rights organizations, however, have repeatedly warned against the removal of vulnerable individuals, particularly minors and families, to countries where they may face hardship or discrimination.
Broader European trend
Germany’s increase in deportations mirrors a broader trend across Europe. Several EU countries have stepped up enforcement in recent months, citing security, migration pressure, and domestic political debates ahead of upcoming elections.
Observers say the challenge for Berlin will be to balance effective enforcement with humanitarian standards — a debate likely to intensify as new migration policies are rolled out later this year.
