Germany significantly escalated its deportation efforts in 2025, expelling a total of 22,787 individuals. This substantial increase, revealed through official data from the federal government in response to a parliamentary inquiry, highlights a tightening stance on immigration enforcement across the nation. While the figures span numerous nationalities, a closer examination reveals particular trends and challenges faced by individuals from North Africa, especially Morocco.
Morocco and the Maghreb: A Focus of German Enforcement
Among the thousands deported, 785 individuals were sent back to Morocco, positioning the North African nation 11th on Germany’s list of destination countries for deportees. This figure underscores a consistent focus on the Maghreb region, with Algeria receiving 631 deportees (15th overall) and Tunisia 498. Together, these numbers reflect a concerted German effort to enforce returns to these countries.
A particularly striking detail emerged regarding Moroccans: they were the nationality most frequently subjected to physical restraint measures during deportations. A staggering 483 individuals deported to Morocco experienced such measures, surpassing all other nationalities. Algeria followed with 426 similar cases. For both Morocco and Algeria, these removals were almost exclusively conducted via scheduled commercial flights, rather than dedicated charter operations.
The challenges in these operations were also evident in the number of aborted attempts. Among the nationalities with the most failed removals after handover to federal police, Algerians (68 cases) and Moroccans (57 cases) featured prominently, indicating the complexities involved in these processes.
Broader Deportation Landscape: Key Figures and Trends
Overall Statistics and Top Destinations
The total of 22,787 deportations in 2025 represents a notable increase from previous years, continuing an upward trend since the post-COVID period. The top destination countries overall were Turkey (2,297 deportees), Georgia (1,690), Spain (1,162), and France (1,053).
Beyond the Maghreb, Iraq emerged as the most significant destination among Arab-origin nationals, with 793 deportees, placing it ninth overall. Other Arab nations saw fewer formal deportations: Egypt (102), Jordan (34), Lebanon (4), and Yemen (3). Syria, notably, recorded only two formal deportation orders, though 591 Syrian nationals were transferred to other EU states under Dublin procedures.
Dublin Transfers and Operational Details
Germany also executed 5,377 Dublin transfers in 2025, returning asylum seekers to the EU member states responsible for processing their claims. Afghans topped this list with 990 cases, followed by Syrians (591) and Turks (537). Moroccans accounted for 181 such transfers, and Algerians for 384, making them the fourth-highest nationality group in this category.
The vast majority of deportations—19,897—were carried out by air, with Frankfurt Airport handling the largest share (7,696 individuals). Land transport accounted for 2,813 removals, and sea for 77.
Aborted Operations and Financial Costs
Deportation operations are not without their hurdles. A total of 1,593 removals were aborted after handover to federal police. The most common reason was pilot refusal (514 cases), a significant increase from 2024. Passive resistance by deportees led to 221 aborted cases, and medical objections to 132. Charter flights were often utilized to circumvent resistance in such scenarios.
These operations can be costly. A single charter flight on July 18, transporting 81 Afghan nationals to Kabul, incurred a staggering cost of €588,456. Another operation in February, removing 49 Ghanaians, Cameroonians, and Nigerians, cost over €380,000 and required an escort of 102 officers. Airlines also faced penalties, with the federal government fining aviation companies €2,245,500 in 2025 for transporting passengers without valid documents.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
Germany’s deportation figures have seen considerable fluctuation over the decades. While 2025’s 22,787 removals are significant, they remain below the all-time high of 53,043 in 1994. Numbers dipped significantly between 2007 and 2012 before rising again during the 2015 migration crisis. The current trajectory indicates a renewed emphasis on returns.
As of December 31, 2025, Germany had 232,067 individuals subject to a deportation order, with 190,974 holding a temporary toleration status. While forced removals are a key component of immigration policy, voluntary departures also play a role, with 16,576 people leaving Germany voluntarily under the REAG/GARP program, primarily Turks and Syrians.
The 2025 data paints a clear picture of Germany’s robust and often challenging efforts to manage its migrant population, with particular scrutiny on the Maghreb region and the complex logistics involved in enforcing these policies.
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