People from these countries of origin will be particularly affected in 2025
According to the federal government, most deportations in 2025 involved citizens from Georgia (671 cases), Albania (661), and Turkey (618). These countries were already among the countries of origin with the highest number of deportations in 2024. While Albania ranked first at that time, Georgia recorded the highest number in 2025.
People from other countries were also frequently affected. These included Algeria with 503 expulsions, Moldova with 476 cases, and Vietnam with 426 cases. Other countries of origin were Serbia (389 cases), Morocco (336 cases), Ukraine (268 cases), and Syria (261 cases).
According to the federal government, some of those affected had previously enjoyed protected status in Germany. Around 1,410 people were recognized as refugees, had been granted asylum, or enjoyed subsidiary protection when the deportation took place.
Minors also affected by deportations
According to the federal government, most deportations involved adults between the ages of 22 and 60. However, a small number of minors were also denied Residence permit . A total of 43 children and adolescents were deported, including 24 children under the age of 14 and 19 adolescents between the ages of 14 and 17.
There are also significant differences between the federal states. Bavaria had a particularly high number of expulsions in 2025, with around 1,540 cases, followed by Baden-Württemberg with around 1,420 cases and Hesse with around 1,390 cases. In North Rhine-Westphalia, 1,197 expulsions were issued.
Criticism of this development has come from the Left Party faction in the Bundestag. Representative Clara Bünger explained that deportation laws have been tightened several times in recent years. She warned that even minor offenses or suspected cases could lead to deportation under certain circumstances. The fact that minors are also affected is viewed particularly critically.
Expulsion vs. deportation – what is the difference?
Against this backdrop, many migrants ask themselves: What is the difference between expulsion and deportation? And does expulsion always mean deportation?
In fact, these are two different measures. Expulsion is a decision made by Foreigners' office. It is issued, for example, if the reason for staying in Germany no longer exists or if a person poses a threat to public safety and order—for example, after serious criminal offenses or repeated violations of residence regulations.
Expulsion ends legal residence in Germany. The person concerned is required to leave the country and must do so within a set period of time. In many cases, an entry and residence ban is also imposed for a certain period of time.
Deportation, on the other hand, is the forced enforcement of the obligation to leave the country. It only takes place if the person concerned does not leave Germany voluntarily.
Before deportation, the authorities must check whether there are legal reasons that would prevent deportation—for example, health problems, a ban on deportation, missing travel documents, or risks in the country of origin. As a rule, a deportation warning must also be issued beforehand.
When can the Residence permit be Residence permit ?
The legal basis for revoking a residence permit can be found primarily in Sections 51, 52, and 53 of the Residence Act.
A Residence permit be withdrawn or revoked if:
- the original reason for staying no longer exists,
- the protection status is revoked, for example if the situation in the country of origin improves permanently
- a person with humanitarian protection travels to their home country without permission from the Foreigners' office
- there are grounds for expulsion, for example in the case of serious or repeated criminal offenses
- the Residence permit was obtained Residence permit providing false information or through deception
- a person stays outside Germany for more than six months or leaves the country permanently
In such cases, the Foreigners' office may revoke, withdraw, or refuse to renew Foreigners' office residence permit and issue a deportation order.
Authorities must always examine each case individually
Before revoking a residence permit and deporting someone, the authorities must always examine the individual case. Among other things, they consider how long the person has been living in Germany, whether they are working, and how well they are integrated. The protection of marriage and family also plays an important role.
Important: Even if a Residence permit is Residence permit , this does not automatically mean immediate deportation. Those affected can take legal action against the decision, for example by lodging an appeal or bringing a case before the administrative court. Deportation is only possible once the obligation to leave the country is enforceable and there are no legal obstacles.
