Turkey Detains Nearly 20,000 Afghan Migrants Over Documentation Issues in First Half of 2024

Turkey’s Immigration Department has reported that during the first six months of the current calendar year, 19,574 Afghan migrants were detained due to lacking legal documentation in the country. This figure indicates that Afghans represent the largest group among undocumented migrants arrested in Turkey.

According to published statistics, approximately 70,000 foreign nationals were detained on charges of illegal residence in Turkey over the same period. However, the department has not provided further details regarding the fate of the detained Afghans, their places of detention, or how many have been deported.

Meanwhile, a United Nations report shows that Turkey returned more than 13,000 Afghan migrants to Afghanistan during the first five months of this year. The forced repatriation process continues amid growing concerns over human rights conditions, widespread restrictions, and economic challenges following the Taliban’s takeover. International organizations have repeatedly warned about the consequences faced by vulnerable individuals forcibly sent back.

Turkey remains one of the primary transit and residence points for Afghan migrants seeking to reach Europe and has hosted a significant number of undocumented Afghan refugees and migrants in recent years.