Hesse’s deportations and voluntary exits surge by over 100% in four years
Hesse has seen a sharp rise in both deportations and voluntary departures over the past four years. Between 2021 and 2025, the state recorded a 108% increase in deportations, alongside a 121% jump in people leaving Germany voluntarily. Officials attribute these changes to stricter enforcement of departure rules and a renewed focus on repatriation efforts.
In 2025 alone, Hesse deported 1,941 individuals—a 17% rise compared to the previous year. This surge aligns with the state’s commitment to the coalition agreement’s 'genuine repatriation offensive,' which prioritises consistent enforcement of departure obligations. The government has also backed federal measures, including expanded border controls and faster deportation procedures, particularly for criminals and high-risk individuals from countries like Afghanistan and Syria.
Voluntary departures have climbed as well, with 3,136 people leaving Hesse in 2025—nearly 6% more than in 2024. Authorities emphasise that voluntary returns remain the preferred option, though deportation acts as a strong incentive for those reluctant to leave. Meanwhile, fewer asylum seekers arrived in the state last year, suggesting the government’s stricter policies may be having an effect. Officials stress that the asylum system exists to protect those fleeing persecution, not to serve as a general immigration route. The rise in both deportations and voluntary departures reflects Hesse’s determination to enforce these principles more rigorously than in previous years.
The latest figures show Hesse’s approach is leading to more people leaving the country, either by choice or through deportation. With stricter controls and faster procedures now in place, the state expects these trends to continue. The focus remains on ensuring departures happen efficiently while maintaining the asylum system’s original purpose.
