Türkiye Does Not Allow Irregular Migration
13.09.2025
Deportation Transactions are Carried Out in Accordance with the Law, Human Rights and Our Civilizational Values
Conditions in Removal Centres are provided in Accordance with the Law and Human Dignity
The Presidency of Migration Management of the Ministry of Interior continues to combat against irregular migration effectively and uninterruptedly in order to protect public order, public security and public health. This combat is being carried out in accordance with the rule of law, fundamental human rights and freedoms, and our country's historical heritage and civilizational values. This approach, which adopts a humanitarian perspective as well as public safety, is based on treating people in conditions befitting human dignity.
Türkiye's Strategy for Combating Irregular Migration consists of 5 steps. These are;
1- Solving the Problem at Its Source
2- Effective Border Security Measures
3- Effective Capture within the Country
4- Combating Irregular Labour Migration
5- Effective Deportation Mechanism
2- Effective Border Security Measures
3- Effective Capture within the Country
4- Combating Irregular Labour Migration
5- Effective Deportation Mechanism
Historic Record in Deportation Numbers
Türkiye is combating irregular migration continuously and resolutely. In 2023, the highest number of deportations in history was reached, exceeding 130,000. The number of deportations in 2024 exceeded 140,000, surpassing the previous year as well. From a strategic perspective, with the coordination of the Presidency of Migration Management of the Ministry of Interior and the uninterrupted and determined efforts of our law enforcement forces, our country has ceased to be an irregular migration route and a target for irregular migration.
Three Main Principles in the Operation of Removal Centres
One of the most important institutions involved in the deportation process is the removal centres. Within the scope of combating irregular migration, irregular migrants detected during operations and inspections carried out both at the borders and in all 81 provinces are being sent to removal centres by law enforcement officers. Irregular migrants are accommodated in removal centres under conditions befitting human dignity until their deportation transactions are completed. Return centres also serve a protective function against crimes such as human trafficking. Three main principles stand out in the operation of removal centres:
1-Respectful approach to human rights and zero tolerance for ill-treatment
2-Meeting the basic needs of those who are accommodated
3- The completion of the deportation process in a lawful, safe and dignified manner; within the shortest possible time.
2-Meeting the basic needs of those who are accommodated
3- The completion of the deportation process in a lawful, safe and dignified manner; within the shortest possible time.
There are 32 Removal Centres in 25 provinces
There are 32 removal centres operating in 25 provinces with a total capacity of 18,780 people. Irregular migrants undergo health checks both before being brought to the removal centre and upon leaving the removal centre and they benefit from healthcare services throughout their stay. Body searches are conducted using sensitive metal detectors and handheld detectors, belongings are scanned using X-ray machines, and identities are verified using fingerprint recognition. After their rights and the centre's rules have been explained to them in detail, they are placed in their rooms. All foreigners arriving at the centre are provided with a hygiene kit, bedding and, if necessary, clothing. The assessment process is initiated by the psychosocial support unit as part of the admission process.
Deportation Process and Administrative Detention Practices
The duration of stay of foreigners in the removal centre varies depending on factors such as whether the foreigner has the necessary documents for travel, their country of nationality, and whether they have appealed the decisions made regarding them. While administrative procedures are carried out in a lawful and efficient manner, efforts are also made to keep the duration of stay to a minimum. Irregular migrants whose basic needs are met can also participate in various social activities within the framework of psychosocial support activities.
Foreigners Transferred to Removal Centres
Within the framework of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection, foreigners who enter the country illegally, who enter legally and later became illegal, who attempt to leave the country illegally, or who pose a threat to public order and security are taken to the removal centres and their deportation procedures are carried out.
Provided Rights and Services
Foreigners staying in Removal Centres are accommodated in a manner befitting human dignity until they are deported. Irregular migrants can meet face-to-face with consular officials, their lawyers, and relatives; they can also communicate by using the telephone. They are provided with access to healthcare services and legal aid, as well as education, social activities and psychosocial support. They are able to use places of worship and access canteen and PTT services. Three meals a day are provided free of charge, with special dietary menus available for those with specific needs.
Personnel Structure and Training Processes
In Removal Centres, migration experts, officers, interpreters, law enforcement personnel, healthcare workers, psychologists, social service specialists, and technical support staff are employed. Personnel receive regular training on human rights.
National and International Audits
Removal Centres are monitored by cameras 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, leaving no blind spots except for private living areas, and recordings are stored for 6 months. Any allegations that arise are investigated immediately, and if negligence or error is detected, a judicial and administrative investigation is initiated. If an error, fault or negligence is detected, the necessary transactions are carried out within the scope of the legislation.
Removal Centres are structured in accordance with international agreements to which Türkiye is a party, the constitution and relevant legislation, and in line with Council of Europe and European Court of Human Rights standards. It is regularly audited by national and international independent monitoring organizations. In 2024, 898 audits and visits were carried out, and in 2025, 912 audits and visits were carried out. Commissions led by governors, established upon the instructions of Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya, carried out 71 audits in 2024 and 56 audits in 2025. These audits are among the most important indicators of migration management carried out in line with the principles of transparency and accountability.
Türkiye Sets an Exemplary Model for the World in Migration Management
Türkiye, which has a state tradition that has encountered the phenomenon of migration many times throughout history and has successfully managed all of them, manages migration today by taking reference from its civilizational values. The Presidency of Migration Management of the Ministry of Interior, which addresses migration in all its dimensions, carries out important works in all areas related to migration management, including regular migration management, combating irregular migration and migrant smuggling organizers, combating human trafficking, integrated border management, international protection, temporary protection, voluntary return, harmonization and communication.
Türkiye, which has a state tradition that has encountered the phenomenon of migration many times throughout history and has successfully managed all of them, manages migration today by taking reference from its civilizational values. The Presidency of Migration Management of the Ministry of Interior, which addresses migration in all its dimensions, carries out important works in all areas related to migration management, including regular migration management, combating irregular migration and migrant smuggling organizers, combating human trafficking, integrated border management, international protection, temporary protection, voluntary return, harmonization and communication.
In migration management, Türkiye;
* Based on law, human rights, and our national interests,
* Drawing strength from our civilizational values,
* Without compromising public order, public safety, and public health,
* Acting with consideration for the long-term risks and opportunities of migration;
* Drawing strength from our civilizational values,
* Without compromising public order, public safety, and public health,
* Acting with consideration for the long-term risks and opportunities of migration;
Sets an exemplary model for the world in migration management with its historical experience, humanitarian approach and rational perspective.
© 2025 Presidency of Migration Management