Surge in Afghan Asylum Seekers Detained in Turkey: 25,314 in Eight Months

In the first eight months of this year, Turkish police have detained 25,314 Afghan asylum seekers, making Afghans the largest group of detained migrants in the country.

Detention of Afghan Refugees in Turkey

Reports from Turkey’s immigration authority reveal that during the initial eight months of this year, 25,314 Afghan asylum seekers were detained nationwide by police. This figure indicates a rising number of asylum seekers from Afghanistan who are seeking safety and better living conditions in Turkey.

Comparison with Other Nationalities

According to this data, Afghans represent the largest group of detained asylum seekers in Turkey. Following them are Syrians, Uzbeks, Turkmens, Iranians, Moroccans, Iraqis, Egyptians, Sudanese, and Yemenis. The immigration authority has also reported that nearly 95,000 undocumented migrants have been detained during the same period.

Reasons for Detention

The detentions are primarily due to the lack of residency documentation. Details regarding the detained individuals and those deported after capture remain scarce. Additionally, in the first eight months of this year, 8,342 individuals were detained on human trafficking charges.

Actions Taken by Turkish Police

Turkish police and coast guard units are continuously monitoring the activities of migrants, with a particular focus on Afghans, detaining them in various locations throughout the country. Previously, the United Nations reported that over 13,000 Afghan asylum seekers were expelled from Turkey during the first five months of this year.

Main Migration Route to Europe

Turkey is considered one of the key routes for Asian asylum seekers and migrants heading to Europe, and in recent years, there has been a significant increase in the identification, detention, and expulsion of undocumented migrants.