32 Afghans detained in Turkey, hidden in a sewage tanker during operations in Diyarbakır, highlighting efforts to curb irregular migration towards Europe. The incident led to five arrests on human trafficking charges, with detainees sent to a deportation centre after medical checks.
The detention underscores persistent migration pressures from Afghanistan, affecting South Asian stability as thousands seek refuge amid economic hardship and political uncertainty. This flow strains regional resources in Pakistan and India, where many transit before reaching Turkey.
Details of the Operation
Turkish authorities stopped a suspicious sewage tanker in Diyarbakır, uncovering 32 Afghans concealed inside. The Directorate for Combating Migrant Smuggling and Border Gates led the action, as per official reports. The Afghans aimed to reach European nations illegally.
Police arrested five suspects linked to the trafficking network. The detainees underwent medical examinations before transfer to a deportation facility. This operation fits broader patterns where Turkey detains Afghans attempting irregular crossings.
Wahid Amini, an Afghan migrant in Turkey, described the plight: “Thousands of Afghans are stuck in Turkish detention camps, uncertain about their future. Meanwhile, others die along the borders due to cold weather or other harsh conditions and face numerous difficulties.”
Afghan Migrants Arrested Turkey: Rising Numbers
Data from Turkey’s Presidency of Migration Management show over 152,000 irregular migrants detained in 2025, with more than 42,000 being Afghans, the highest among nationalities. This marks a drop from 225,831 apprehensions in 2024, yet Afghans remain predominant.
The U.S. Department of State reported that from January to August 2024, authorities captured over 146,000 irregular migrants, mostly Afghans and Syrians. Such figures reflect intensified border controls amid EU pressures.
Mohammad Khan Talebi Mohammadzai, a migration expert, urged action: “To prevent irregular migration and provide employment opportunities for youth inside Afghanistan, the government must work jointly with international organizations to create job opportunities.”
These statistics highlight how Afghan deportation Turkey processes have accelerated, with many returned via land or air routes.
Background
Afghanistan’s ongoing crisis since 2021 has driven mass exodus. Economic collapse and restrictions under the Taliban regime push citizens abroad. Many travel through Pakistan or Iran to Turkey, a key gateway to Europe.
Turkey hosts over 300,000 registered Afghans under international protection, per PMM data. However, undocumented entries surge due to porous borders. In 2023, 68,687 Afghans were detained, per earlier Ministry of Interior statements.
South Asia feels the ripple effects. Pakistan has repatriated over 500,000 Afghans since late 2023, straining bilateral ties. India monitors the flow, concerned over security implications. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees notes that Afghan asylum claims in Turkey rose 20% in 2024.
Human rights groups report harsh conditions in detention centres, including overcrowding and limited access to legal aid.
Afghan migrants arrested Turkey often face swift deportation, bypassing full asylum reviews. EU-Turkey deals incentivise returns, with Ankara receiving aid for border management.
Afghans Detained in Turkey: Policy Context
Turkey’s migration policies tightened post-2016, focusing on smuggling networks. The Interior Ministry oversees operations, coordinating with EU agencies like Frontex.
In 2025, deportations hit 80,000, including thousands of Afghans. Afghanistan’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations reported 1,821,000 returns from Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, and others since early 2025.
This ministry tracks voluntary and forced repatriations, aiding reintegration. Yet, many returnees face poverty, prompting re-migration.
Experts link the trend to Afghanistan’s 40% unemployment rate and food insecurity affecting 15 million people, per World Food Programme data.
Human Trafficking Angles
The Diyarbakır case exposed smuggling tactics, with Afghans paying up to USD 5,000 per person for transit. Traffickers use vehicles like tankers to evade detection.
Turkish police reaffirmed commitment to combating such networks in their statement following the bust. Similar operations in 2024 dismantled 150 rings, arresting 2,500 suspects.
For Afghans, risks include exploitation and violence en route. Reports from Mixed Migration Centre detail perilous journeys through mountains and seas.
What’s Next
As winter intensifies, border crossings may decline, but spring could see surges. Turkey plans enhanced surveillance with drones and patrols.
Afghanistan seeks bilateral talks with Turkey for orderly returns. International aid for job creation remains crucial to stem the flow.
Ongoing Afghan deportation Turkey efforts may evolve with EU negotiations, potentially increasing voluntary return programmes.
The incident reminds of vulnerabilities for Afghans detained in Turkey, urging humane approaches amid enforcement.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 4th, 2026
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