Slightly more than 25% of people with no right to stay in the EU are actually returned.
87% confidence
MigrationEuropean Union
Omissions
The MEP did not specify a time period or cite a source for the figure. Return rates vary considerably by quarter — from 24.3% in Q2 2025 to 31.8% in Q1 2026 — making a single point estimate imprecise.
The most recent Q1 2026 data (31.8%) shows a rate notably above 'slightly more than 25%', suggesting the MEP's phrasing may understate the current return rate.
The claim frames the rate as low ('only slightly more than one out of four'), but the trend has been improving: Q4 2024 was ~22.9%, Q4 2025 was 28.8%, and Q1 2026 reached 31.8%.
The Eurostat metric measures returns of third-country nationals following an order to leave, which may not capture all people 'with no right to stay' (e.g. those without formal orders).
Sources
PrimaryEurostat — Returns of irregular migrants — quarterly statisticsIn Q1 2026, 34,550 third-country nationals who received an order to leave were effectively returned to a third country. 108,475 non-EU citizens were ordered to leave an EU country. Calculated return rate: 34,550 / 108,475 = 31.8%.
PrimaryEurostat — Returns to third countries up by 13% in Q4 2025In the fourth quarter of 2025, 117,545 non-EU citizens were ordered to leave an EU country, and 33,860 people were returned to third countries. Calculated return rate: 33,860 / 117,545 = 28.8%.
PrimaryEurostat — Returns to third countries up by 13% in Q2 2025In the second quarter of 2025, 116,495 non-EU citizens were ordered to leave an EU country, and 28,355 people were returned to third countries. Calculated return rate: 28,355 / 116,495 = 24.3%.