Greece’s migrant return efforts slow amid legal and logistical hurdles
The report states that 5,865 foreign nationals were returned from Greece in 2024, down from 6,340 the previous year. These included 2,550 forced returns (such as deportations), 2,371 voluntary returns coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and 944 self-initiated departures.
The largest group of returnees were Georgian nationals, making up 38% of the total, followed by Albanians (35%), Pakistanis (6.6%), and Bangladeshis (2.1%). However, substantial populations of Afghans and Egyptians remain in Greece, with few options for return due to fragile conditions in their countries of origin or lack of repatriation agreements.
As of November 1, 2024, 1,895 individuals were held under administrative detention pending return—a 24.5% decrease from the previous year. Of these, 1,676 were in pre-departure centers and 219 were held in police stations. Egyptians made up the largest share of the detained population, with 593 individuals in custody.
The report highlights ongoing legal, diplomatic, and humanitarian obstacles that continue to hinder effective return strategies, despite Greece’s efforts to manage irregular migration more efficiently.
