More than 719,395 non-EU citizens were found illegally staying in European Union countries in 2025, while over 450,000 people received orders to leave the EU. At the same time, authorities refused entry to more than 123,000 migrants at EU borders. These numbers, released by Eurostat, reveal the growing pressure on Europe’s immigration system and the increasing focus on border enforcement across the continent.
| Key Insights |
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| ➝ Around 132,600 third-country nationals were refused entry at the EU’s external borders in 2025, representing a 7.1% increase compared to 2024. ➝ Approximately 719,395 third-country nationals were found illegally present in the European Union in 2025, marking a 21.7% decrease from the previous year. ➝ In 2025, EU member states issued 491,950 orders to leave EU territory to third-country nationals, an increase of 5.8% compared to 2024. ➝ About 135,460 third-country nationals were returned to non-EU countries following deportation orders in 2025, reflecting a significant 20.9% rise year-over-year. |
As migration continues to shape politics and economies in Europe, EU member states are tightening immigration controls while also struggling to balance security, humanitarian responsibilities, and labour demands.
Immigration enforcement statistics measure how European countries respond to irregular migration. This includes:
- Detecting undocumented migrants
- Refusing entry at EU borders
- Issuing deportation or return orders
- Returning migrants to non-EU countries
The latest Eurostat figures highlight how immigration remains one of the European Union’s biggest policy challenges.
Illegal Immigration Remains a Major Concern
According to the latest data, nearly one million non-EU nationals were detected illegally residing within EU countries during 2024. Although this was slightly lower than previous years, the numbers remain historically high.
Countries such as Germany, France, Italy, and Spain continue to report some of the highest levels of immigration enforcement activity due to their geographic location and migration flows.
Border authorities also refused entry to more than 123,000 individuals attempting to enter the EU. The most common reasons included:
- Missing travel documents
- Invalid visas
- Lack of proof for travel purposes
- Expired residence permits
Over 450,000 Ordered to Leave Europe
One of the EU’s strongest immigration enforcement tools is the issuance of return orders. In 2024 alone, over 453,000 non-EU citizens were ordered to leave EU territory. France recorded the highest number of return decisions among member states. Many of those affected came from countries including:
- Morocco
- Algeria
- Georgia
- Türkiye
However, not all deportation orders lead to actual returns. Legal appeals, administrative delays, and limited cooperation from origin countries continue to slow deportation procedures across Europe.
Deportations and Returns Are Increasing
European countries have also stepped up efforts to deport migrants who do not have legal permission to remain in the EU.
Recent Eurostat data shows a noticeable increase in successful returns to non-EU countries compared to previous years. Germany, Sweden, France, and Cyprus were among the countries reporting higher return figures.
The EU has been negotiating agreements with third countries to improve cooperation on migrant returns and border management.
Migration Continues to Shape European Politics
Immigration remains one of the most debated topics across Europe. Rising migration numbers have influenced elections, border policies, and public opinion in many EU countries.
At the same time, Europe still depends heavily on legal immigration to address workforce shortages and economic needs. Millions of residence permits continue to be issued annually for work, education, and family reunification.
This creates a difficult balancing act for policymakers: controlling irregular migration while supporting legal migration pathways.
The Future of EU Immigration Policy
The European Union is expected to continue strengthening immigration enforcement measures in the coming years. Border security, asylum reform, and deportation policies are likely to remain key political priorities.
While enforcement statistics show tougher action against irregular migration, they also highlight the broader challenges Europe faces in managing migration fairly and effectively.
As migration pressures continue globally, EU immigration legislation will remain at the centre of political debate and policy reform across the region.