23.05.2022 17:42
Around 2.6M irregular migrants denied entry to Turkiye since 2016, according to official figures.
Turkiye has deported 28,581 irregular migrants so far this year as its efforts to combat irregular migration continues at full pace.
According to data obtained from the Interior Ministry, about 2.6 million irregular migrants have been denied entry to Turkiye since 2016, while the figure stands over 153,000 this year.
With tight measures adopted by the ministry, 74,516 irregular migrants have been held in the country since the start of this year as authorities conduct regular operations targeting irregular migrant networks.
The deportation process is still ongoing for nearly 19,000 people with 94 different nationalities, who arrived in Turkiye via illegal means.
Turkiye has been a key transit point for irregular migrants aiming to cross to Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.
Turkiye is the largest host country for Syrian refugees and provides protection to nearly 4 million people who fled the neighboring country.
*Writing by Ali Murat Alhas -