Irregular migration: confusing figures in France raise serious questions

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At the heart of Europe’s heated debate on irregular migration, France currently stands out with unprecedented — yet puzzling — figures.

In terms of removal orders, France ranks first. However, it faces major difficulties when it comes to actually enforcing these decisions.

Amid security incidents that have shaken public opinion and official reports revealing structural weaknesses, Paris is confronting a storm of questions.

Is France truly leading Europe in issuing removal orders, far ahead of its neighbors?

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A questionable first place

According to European Union data and a report published by the French Senate last June, France issued more than 130,000 removal orders in 2024. This is a very high number compared to other EU countries dealing with people in irregular situations.

The French network CNews reports that these figures place France among the most administratively strict countries — at least on paper — while at the same time raising deep doubts about the effectiveness of this policy.

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Security incidents

The outlet notes that, within just two days at the end of December, Paris witnessed two serious incidents involving individuals subject to removal orders.

On Friday, a Malian national was arrested after attacking three women with a knife in the Paris metro. The next day, another person under a removal order was detained after assaulting a church attendant at La Madeleine in the 8th arrondissement.

These events reignited debate over the enforcement of deportations and exposed one of the main weaknesses of the French approach: the gap between issuing a decision and carrying it out.

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European figures

EU data show that out of roughly 450,000 removal orders issued across the Union in 2024, France alone accounted for 128,250 — more than double Germany (57,075) and Spain (51,025).

Greece and Italy followed with 31,565 and 27,970 orders respectively.

Several other countries also recorded notable figures, including Belgium (24,660), the Netherlands (19,055), Sweden (17,015), Cyprus (15,340), Austria (13,170), and Poland (11,995).

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Where is the problem?

The Senate report explains that the high French numbers stem mainly from national legislation requiring an almost automatic removal order whenever irregular status is detected — regardless of whether deportation can realistically occur.

A single individual may also receive several separate orders over time, inflating totals without reflecting greater effectiveness.

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Limited enforcement

Despite this, France ranks second in Europe for orders actually enforced in 2024. Out of 110,000 removals carried out across the EU, France executed 14,685, compared to 15,230 in Germany, 9,910 in Sweden, 8,725 in Spain, and 8,520 in Poland.

The paradox lies in the massive gap between decisions issued and implemented. Of the 128,250 French orders, 113,565 were not enforced — an execution rate of only about 12 percent.

By comparison, Poland reached nearly 71 percent, Sweden 59 percent, Germany 27 percent, Spain 18 percent, Belgium 11 percent, and Greece 17 percent.

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Structural obstacles

The Senate identifies several key barriers: weak monitoring of individuals under removal orders, especially those not placed in administrative detention.

France also faces a shortage of detention capacity, with only around two thousand beds across 26 centers — significantly limiting control.

Reports from the Court of Auditors highlight the limited effectiveness of house-supervision measures, the refusal of some individuals to cooperate, and the difficulty of obtaining consular travel documents — all of which complicate removals.

Ultimately, France leads Europe in issuing removal orders, yet struggles to enforce them. Between legal constraints, limited resources, and the complexity of international cooperation, irregular migration remains one of the most sensitive and challenging issues — not only for France, but for the European Union as a whole.

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