Sharp Increase in Deportations to Turkey Sparks Criticism Amid Human Rights Concerns
Recent government data reveals a significant rise in deportations from Germany to Turkey, with human rights advocates and opposition politicians voicing concerns regarding the conditions faced by returnees. The latest figures indicate that, in 2025, deportations to Turkey more than doubled compared to the previous year, positioning Turkey as the principal destination for German deportations.
According to official records, 2,297 individuals were returned to Turkey in 2025, representing approximately one in every ten deportations carried out by German authorities. This marks a steep increase from the 1,087 deportations recorded in 2024 and 875 in 2023. The overall number of deportations from Germany in 2025 was 22,878.
Concerns Over Human Rights in TurkeyHuman rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have documented ongoing issues in Turkey, such as arbitrary detentions and the persecution of political opponents, activists, and journalists. These reports highlight concerns that individuals deported to Turkey may be at risk of mistreatment by state authorities. Further concerns have been raised about the safety of refugees, as some have reportedly been unlawfully sent from Turkey to conflict zones in Syria and Afghanistan.
The political climate in Turkey, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, remains tense, with numerous allegations of state repression. Despite these conditions, the German government has maintained its policy of deporting individuals to Turkey, drawing criticism from various quarters. Opposition members in Germany argue that the practice could endanger vulnerable groups, particularly those fleeing political persecution or violence.
Deportation Destinations and Asylum TrendsTurkey was not the only country to which Germany deported individuals in 2025. Georgia was the second most common destination, with 1,690 deportations. Other countries included Iran, with 18 people deported, and Afghanistan, where 83 individuals were sent back by German authorities.
At the same time, Germany has seen a growing number of asylum seekers from Turkey. In 2025, 11,919 Turkish nationals applied for asylum in Germany for the first time, making Turkey the third most common country of origin for asylum seekers, after Afghanistan and Syria. This increase is attributed to the deteriorating human rights situation and political instability in Turkey.
Impact of German Asylum PolicyThe overall number of first-time asylum applications in Germany has decreased, largely due to stricter asylum regulations and reinforced border controls within the European Union. In 2025, German authorities received 113,236 first-time asylum applications, a notable decrease from the 229,751 applications in 2024. Despite this reduction, the proportion of applicants from Turkey has risen, reflecting ongoing challenges within the country.
The debate over deportations to Turkey highlights broader concerns about European asylum policy and the responsibilities of destination countries. Critics argue that returning individuals to countries with documented human rights abuses undermines international protections for refugees and asylum seekers. Supporters of the current policy maintain that deportations are conducted in accordance with legal procedures and international agreements.
The situation has prompted calls for greater scrutiny of deportation practices and renewed attention to the protection of basic rights for those at risk of persecution. As the debate continues, the German government faces ongoing pressure to balance domestic immigration policy with its international human rights obligations.