ISTANBUL, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The number of irregular migrants in Istanbul has decreased in the first quarter of 2025, according to Istanbul Governor Davut Gul, who attributed the drop to strengthened enforcement efforts and the expanded use of mobile immigration checkpoints.

Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, Gul said the number of identified irregular migrants declined by 21 percent compared to the same period last year.

He noted that mobile migration units have played a significant role in this development. These specially equipped vehicles patrol the city and allow authorities to verify the identity and legal status of foreign nationals, and take prompt action when necessary.

According to the governor, 12,920 individuals without legal migration status were identified by these units since the beginning of the year and were transferred to deportation centers.

Istanbul launched the Mobile Migration Points program in 2023 with 38 vehicles, and the number has since grown to more than 100.

As one of the world's leading destinations for refugees, Türkiye currently hosts over 4 million registered migrants, the majority of whom are Syrians, according to the Presidential Directorate of Communications. Enditem

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