The number of people ordered to leave the EU and return to their home countries or other destinations has decreased by two percent in the first quarter of 2024. 

According to the EU Office for Statistics, Eurostat, 30,570 people were returned to another country, marking a six percent increase from the previous quarter and an 11 percent rise from the same period last year. Nearly 30 percent of those ordered to leave the EU returned to another country during this period.

In the first quarter of 2024, France issued 34,190 orders for non-EU citizens to leave the country, while Germany followed with 15,400 orders. Together, these two countries accounted for 47.9 percent of all departure orders. Other notable countries issuing departure orders include Belgium, Italy, and Greece, each ordering between 2,265 and 6,965 individuals to relocate.

Conversely, Slovakia had the fewest departure orders at 140, followed by Slovenia (185), Estonia (205), and Malta (210). France (4,205), Germany (3,950), and Sweden (3,135) recorded the highest numbers of people returning to another country after receiving departure orders. Latvia stands out for having a balanced number of departure orders and returns, with 375 individuals ordered to leave and 350 returning to another country during the first quarter of 2024.

Among the nationalities receiving the highest number of departure orders, Algerians and Moroccans each constitute seven percent of the total. Turks follow closely with six percent, while Syrians and Georgians rank fourth and fifth, respectively, each accounting for five percent of all individuals ordered to leave. Regarding those who returned to another country, Georgians lead the list, comprising nine percent of the total. They are followed by Albanians and Turks, each representing six percent. Colombians, Moroccans, Algerians, and Syrians each represent four percent of the total returnees.