The issue of illegal Afghan migrants has become a growing concern for several countries as authorities step up strict actions against undocumented migration and human smuggling networks.
The situation involving illegal Afghan migrants has led Turkey to intensify its enforcement operations, joining other countries like Germany and Iran in tightening border security and immigration controls.
According to reports from Afghan media, Turkish police conducted targeted operations in the Şırnak and Bayburt regions, where 15 Afghan migrants were detained along with six individuals suspected of involvement in human smuggling networks.
Authorities said the crackdown on illegal Afghan migrants also led to the arrest of several people linked to organised trafficking groups that help facilitate illegal border crossings. In Bayburt, three Afghan nationals were detained for their alleged role in such networks, and one suspect was later jailed following a court order.
All detained individuals have been transferred to deportation centres, where procedures for returning illegal Afghan migrants to their home country have already begun. Turkish officials confirmed that repatriation efforts are being carried out under existing immigration laws.
The Directorate of Migration Management in Turkey has maintained a strict policy against illegal Afghan migrants and other undocumented entrants. Officials stated that illegal entry into the country will not be tolerated, and enforcement actions including arrests and deportations will continue without delay.
Reports based on United Nations data suggest that Turkey has detained and deported around 13,500 Afghan asylum seekers this year under its zero-tolerance approach to illegal migration.
Experts have also raised concerns that weak screening processes for illegal Afghan migrants may create security risks, as such gaps could potentially be exploited by extremist elements seeking to hide within migrant flows.
At the same time, rising criminal activity linked to illegal migration has pushed many countries to prioritize national security measures, leading to stricter immigration enforcement and faster deportation procedures.
Authorities say operations against illegal Afghan migrants will continue as part of wider efforts to strengthen border security and control human trafficking networks across the region.