François-Xavier Bellamy· PPE

Underestimated

Only 20% of irregular foreigners in Europe who have received a return order actually leave

Omissions

• The 20% figure significantly understates the actual return rate. The most recent data available before the session date (Q3 2025) shows a return rate of approximately 29.6%.
• Historical data shows the EU return rate has varied between 29-47% in recent years (38% in 2015, 47% in 2016, and around 29-30% in 2024-2025).
• The MEP's figure of 20% appears to be a substantial underestimate of the actual return rate.
• The data source is Eurostat, the official EU statistical office.
• The European Parliament briefing from 2023 cites return rates of 38-47% for 2015-2016.

Sources

• PrimaryEurostat - Returns to third countries up by 15% in Q3 2025Q3 2025: 115,440 non-EU citizens ordered to leave, 34,155 returned to third countries = 29.6% return rate
• PrimaryEurostat - Returns of irregular migrants - quarterly statisticsAt EU level, 58.9% of returns were voluntary and 41.1% were forced returns
• SecondaryEuropean Parliament - Returns of irregular migrants: EU frameworkEU return rate was 38% in 2015, rising to 47% in 2016