Afghanistan Peace Campaign
Turkish authorities detained 19,574 Afghan migrants during the first six months of 2026, making Afghans the largest group of undocumented migrants apprehended in the country, according to newly released government migration data.
Turkey’s Directorate of Migration Management said authorities detained 19,574 Afghan nationals between January and June 2026, the highest number among all nationalities recorded during the period, underscoring the continued scale of Afghan migration into and through Turkey.
According to the agency, nearly 70,000 undocumented migrants from various countries were apprehended nationwide during the first half of the year as part of ongoing immigration enforcement operations. The figures were published in the agency’s latest migration statistics.
After Afghan nationals, the largest groups of detained migrants were citizens of Syria, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Morocco, Iraq, Egypt, Sudan and Yemen, reflecting Turkey’s role as a major transit and destination country for people fleeing conflict, economic hardship and political instability.
The migration authority said those detained were found to be residing in Turkey without valid residence permits or other required immigration documents. It did not specify how many had been deported, transferred to removal centers or released pending immigration proceedings.
Authorities also reported detaining more than 6,000 people on suspicion of involvement in migrant smuggling during the same six-month period, saying investigations and border enforcement operations remain ongoing.
Turkey has intensified efforts in recent years to curb irregular migration through increased border surveillance, police raids, and cooperation between security agencies and the coast guard. Officials say the operations are intended to enforce immigration laws, combat human smuggling networks and strengthen border security.
The country remains one of the principal transit routes for migrants attempting to reach Europe from Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Afghan nationals have consistently ranked among the largest groups of undocumented migrants intercepted by Turkish authorities.
According to the United Nations, Turkey deported more than 13,000 Afghan nationals during the first five months of 2026. Humanitarian organizations, including the UN refugee agency and rights groups, have repeatedly raised concerns over the forced return of Afghans, warning that many face humanitarian hardship, insecurity and limited access to basic services after returning to Afghanistan.
Since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, hundreds of thousands of Afghans have continued to leave the country, citing economic collapse, unemployment, restrictions on women and girls, and fears of persecution. Many have sought refuge in neighboring countries or attempted to travel onward to Europe through Iran and Turkey.
Turkish authorities maintain that deportations are conducted in accordance with national immigration laws and international obligations. However, refugee advocates have urged governments to ensure that returns are voluntary, safe and consistent with international protection standards, particularly for people who may face persecution or other serious risks upon return.