Germany sees rise in migrant returns and high number of foreign nationals with arrest warrants

Germany is experiencing a significant increase in voluntary migrant returns. According to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), over 9,200 people returned to their countries of origin in the first half of 2026, a 26 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The most frequent destinations for these returns include Syria, Turkey, Russia, Colombia, and Iraq.

The German government supports these returns by covering travel costs, such as flights or bus tickets, and providing financial incentives. This includes a travel allowance of up to 200 euros and, for certain nationalities, a one-time starting aid of 1,000 euros per person (500 euros for children), with a family limit of 4,000 euros. Additional reintegration assistance of up to 1,000 euros per person may also be available. The Czech Republic operates a similar assisted voluntary return program, primarily covering travel expenses.

Separately, data regarding outstanding arrest warrants in Germany shows that 87 percent of the 148,311 individuals being sought are foreign nationals, stateless persons, or of unknown nationality. Only 13 percent are German citizens. The largest groups of non-citizens with outstanding warrants include Romanians, Poles, Georgians, Turks, and Bulgarians. The German government noted that some warrants remain active to prevent deported individuals from re-entering the country before completing their sentences.