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High Failure Rate in Deportation Attempts
In 2025, nearly 60 percent of all planned deportations in Germany failed, according to official figures reported by the Bundespolizei and media such as the “Welt am Sonntag”. Out of approximately 55,642 deportation attempts, only about 22,787 were successfully completed. These failures mostly occurred before individuals were handed over to the officers responsible for deportations at airports. A principal reason cited was that authorities often could not locate or find the individuals slated for removal, with 21,341 cases involving persons not found at their registered addresses, leading to missed handovers by the state police forces [Source 1][Source 2][Source 5].
CDU Proposes Mobile Phone Tracking to Improve Success Rates
In response to the frequent failures to locate deportees, members of the CDU have proposed using mobile phone tracking to find migrants who evade authorities. This measure intends to be applied only when individuals are not found at their registered addresses, not as a general surveillance tool for all those obliged to leave. A CDU politician told the press that mobile phone location tracking could be a valuable additional tool to enforce deportations where current efforts have proved insufficient. Hessian Interior Minister Roman Poseck and other CDU figures advocate this approach, highlighting the need for precise measures to reduce flight risks without blanket monitoring [Source 1][Source 4][Source 6][Source 7].
Additionally, there is a discussion about increasing the use of deportation detention to prevent absconding in the first place. Some officials have called for the EU to enable the use of regular prison spaces for deportation detention, a move considered necessary to ensure that fewer individuals disappear during the deportation process [Source 7][Source 6].
Implications for Expats and Foreign Residents in Germany
For expats, international students, and foreign workers in Germany, especially those with uncertain residence status or pending asylum claims, this development underscores the increased government focus on enforcing deportations. Those with deportation orders or those suspected of being obliged to leave should be aware of heightened monitoring proposals like mobile phone tracking, which may affect privacy rights and enforcement practices. It is crucial for affected individuals to maintain clear communication with local authorities and legal advisors to understand their rights and obligations.
Practical steps for foreign residents include ensuring up-to-date registration of addresses and contact information. Being reachable at the registered address can reduce the risk of deportation attempts failing and possibly escalating to additional enforcement measures. Furthermore, expats should stay informed about upcoming legislative changes and consult legal resources to navigate their status effectively.
The German federal government aims to increase deportation numbers as part of its broader migration policy, but difficulties in locating individuals remain a substantial obstacle. The proposed mobile phone tracking and expanded detention usage highlight the evolving nature of enforcement efforts affecting the foreign resident community [Source 1][Source 5].
