In 2025, Uzbek citizens were the third-largest group among detained illegal migrants in Turkey, Fergana Information Agency reports with reference to data from the Turkish migration authorities.
In 2025, Turkish authorities detained 13,683 Uzbek citizens, compared to 11,521 in 2024, when Uzbekistan was fourth.
The increase continues since 2022. While 4,817 Uzbek citizens were detained in 2021, the following year the figure reached 7,553. Since the beginning of 2026, 1,437 Uzbek citizens have been detained in Turkey.
The top two positions in Turkey’s illegal migration rankings have traditionally been held by citizens of Afghanistan and Syria, although their numbers have significantly decreased. In 2025, Turkish authorities detained 44,157 Afghans and 22,515 Syrians. For comparison, in 2024, the figures were 65,815 and 50,641, respectively.
The illegal migration statistics also include citizens of Turkmenistan, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Morocco, Sudan, and Algeria. Turkmens, who had been among the top three largest illegal immigrant groups in Turkey since 2022, moved to fourth place in 2025, with 10,984 detained.
Raids to identify illegal immigrants in Turkey intensified after the presidential elections in May 2023 and continue on an ongoing basis. In major cities, including Istanbul, daily checks are being conducted, during which law enforcement officers detain dozens of foreigners for subsequent deportation.
