656 irregular migrants, 52 smugglers caught across Türkiye

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that the nationwide Kalkan-36 operation resulted in the apprehension of 656 irregular migrants and 52 migrant smugglers, including 32 foreign nationals.

Thousands of personnel deployed in sweeping inspections

The operation mobilized 26,456 personnel across 5,446 checkpoints with the participation of 8,370 teams. Authorities conducted 402,609 identity checks and inspected 15,616 locations.

Minister Yerlikaya praised the efforts of law enforcement and judicial authorities and stressed Türkiye’s commitment to a migration management model rooted in human rights, security and legal principles.

Türkiye offers an exemplary model to the entire world in migration management by respecting human rights and freedoms, adhering to the values ​​of law and civilization, and never compromising public order and security.

We address the issue of migration in all its dimensions, including regular and irregular migration, international protection, voluntary, safe and honorable return, combating migrant smuggling, and border management.

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya

Migrants to be repatriated

The captured irregular migrants are undergoing repatriation procedures, in line with Türkiye‘s policies on voluntary, safe, and dignified return.