irregular Migration: Portugal’s Return Rates Under Scrutiny amidst EU Efforts
Portugal’s approach to irregular migration is under the microscope as new data reveals it has one of the lowest return rates of irregular migrants in the European Union. Minister of the Presidency of Portugal, António Leitão Amaro, recently highlighted the issue, pointing to the previous government’s handling of illegal immigration. But how do Portugal’s numbers truly stack up against its EU counterparts?
Portugal’s Return Rates: A Closer Look
Official Eurostat statistics, which track the number of third-country nationals returned after being ordered to leave each EU nation, confirm that Portugal consistently reports low return figures. In Q3 2024, Slovakia returned the fewest irregular migrants (55), followed by Slovenia (80) and Portugal (85) [[1]].
In contrast, France returned nearly 4,000 people, while Germany and Spain each returned just over 3,000 during the same period. The trend continues into 2025. While Portuguese figures for Q1 2025 are not yet available, the country has generally remained at the lower end of the spectrum since 2022.
Did You Know? The European Border and Coast guard Agency (Frontex) plays a key role in supporting EU countries in managing their borders and handling irregular migration.
Orders to Leave: Portugal’s Numbers
the number of orders to leave issued by each member state paints a similar picture. In Q3 2024, Slovakia issued the fewest orders (80), followed by Portugal (120) and Estonia (135). France lead the way with 30,800 orders,while Germany (13,660) and Spain (13,645) again rounded out the top three [[1]].
EU-Wide Efforts Intensify
Across the EU, efforts to curb irregular immigration appear to be gaining momentum. In the first quarter of 2025, 123,905 non-EU citizens were ordered to leave, and 28,475 were returned to third countries. This represents an 18.4% increase in orders to leave and a 6.4% increase in returns compared to Q1 2024.
Pro Tip: Understanding the legal framework surrounding migration in the EU is crucial for interpreting these statistics. The Dublin Regulation, such as, determines which member state is responsible for examining an asylum application.
EU Irregular Migrant Returns: Key Figures (Q3 2024)
| Country | Irregular Migrants Returned | Orders to Leave Issued |
|---|---|---|
| france | ~4,000 | 30,800 |
| Germany | ~3,000 | 13,660 |
| Spain | ~3,000 | 13,645 |
| Portugal | 85 | 120 |
| Slovenia | 80 | N/A |
| Slovakia | 55 | 80 |
What factors do you think contribute to the differences in return rates among EU countries? How effective are the EU’s current strategies for managing irregular migration?
Evergreen Insights: Understanding Irregular Migration
Irregular migration, also referred to as undocumented or illegal migration, involves the entry, stay, or work in a country without the necessary authorization or legal documents.This phenomenon is driven by a complex interplay of factors, including economic disparities, political instability, conflict, and the desire for better opportunities. The management of irregular migration poses important challenges for governments worldwide, requiring a multifaceted approach that balances border security, human rights, and international obligations.
FAQ: Irregular Migration in the EU
- What is irregular migration?
- Irregular migration refers to the entry,stay,or work in a country without the required legal authorization.
- What is Eurostat?
- Eurostat is the statistical office of the European Union, providing data on a wide range of topics, including migration.
- What is the Dublin Regulation?
- The Dublin Regulation is an EU law that determines which member state is responsible for examining an asylum application.
- What role does Frontex play in managing migration?
- Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, assists EU countries in managing their borders and handling irregular migration.
- Why are return rates vital?
- Return rates are an indicator of the effectiveness of a country’s immigration enforcement policies and its ability to manage irregular migration.
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