According to data released by the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) Ministry for Refugees, 2,494 individuals were deported during the first half of 2025. This figure stems from a parliamentary inquiry addressed to the ministry and reported by the Neue Ruhr/Neuen Rhein Zeitung (NRZ).
The ministry emphasized its commitment to the termination of residency and the lawful and consistent return of individuals posing a threat or convicted of criminal offenses. A statement indicated that upholding these procedures is a high priority to ensure the protection of the state’s democratic principles, way of life and open society.
Statistics from the Federal Police reveal that the five most common destination countries for deportations this year were Turkey (190), Serbia (184), Albania (182), Georgia (134) and North Macedonia (121). As of June 30, 2025, the Ausländerzentralregister (Central Register of Foreigners) registered 53,646 individuals in NRW subject to deportation. However, the register also indicates that a significant majority-44,590 individuals-currently possess a temporary residency permit, often referred to as a “tolerated stay.
Responding to inquiries, the NRW Refugee Ministry affirmed its dedication to a humanitarian, equitable and opportunity-driven refugee policy. The ministry reiterated that, following a due process asylum procedure, a requirement to leave the country may arise. Deportations and voluntary returns, it stated, are integral components of the regional migration policy.
