Deportations from Germany to Turkey rise despite overall decline

Deportations from Germany fell by around 18.9% in the first nine months of this year, but deportations to Turkey continued to rise, bucking the overall trend, according to government figures.

The figures, provided by the Interior Ministry in response to a written question from Clara Bünger, domestic affairs spokeswoman for The Left party's parliamentary group, show that 14,324 foreign nationals were deported between January and September, down from 17,651 in the same period last year.

Turkey was the most common destination, with 2,025 people deported there, followed by Georgia with 883 and Algeria with 629.

The figures also show that deportations to Syria remain difficult, particularly those involving convicted criminals, although they are possible in individual cases. Six people have been deported to Syria since the beginning of the year.

Despite the overall decline in deportations, the number of people leaving Germany voluntarily with government assistance increased.

According to preliminary ministry figures, 14,140 people received support to leave Germany between January and September, up from 12,263 in the same period last year.