1.27 million people were found to be illegally present in one of the EU countries in 2023, according to Eurostat
Eurostat published 2023 figures regarding immigration law enforcement in the EU, with a particular focus on people refused entry in the EU, people found to be illegally present in the EU, people ordered to leave an EU country and people returned following an order to leave.
In a press release from 6 May 2024, Eurostat published the latest data on the enforcement of immigration legislation. Among other findings, Eurostat highlights that:
- In 2023, 118 935 non-EU citizens were refused entry into the EU territory at one of its external borders, a 16% decrease compared with 142 420 in the previous year.
- 1.265.350 people were found to be illegally present in one of the EU countries, indicating a 13% increase compared with 1.12 million in 2022.
- The number of non-EU citizens issued with an order to leave an EU country was 484 160, an increase of 4% compared with 2022 (466 350).
- Following an order to leave, 111.185 non-EU citizens were returned to another country (including other EU countries), a 25% increase compared with 88 910 in 2022. Out of the 111 185, 91 465 were returned to the countries outside the EU.
For further details, please read the press release from Eurostat.