Türkiye saw a modest decline in immigration and a steep drop in emigration in 2024, according to the latest figures from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat).

Immigration to Türkiye totaled 314,588 people, a 0.6% decrease from the previous year. Of these, 54.5% were male, and 45.5% were female. Foreign nationals accounted for 210,856 arrivals, while 103,732 were Turkish citizens returning to the country.

In contrast, emigration plummeted by 40.6%, with 424,345 people leaving Türkiye. Foreign nationals made up the majority at 273,205, while 151,140 were Turkish citizens. Men comprised 55.7% of emigrants, with women at 44.3%.

Young adults dominated both migration flows. The 20–24 age group led immigrants at 14.7%, followed by the 25–29 (12.1%) and 30–34 (10.3%) age groups. For emigrants, the 25–29 age group was the largest at 14.4%, followed by 20–24 (12.2%) and 30–34 (12.1%).

Istanbul remained the migration hub, hosting 32.8% of immigrants and 34% of emigrants. Other key provinces for immigration included Antalya (8.5%), Ankara (7.4%), Mersin (5.5%), and Izmir (3.7%). For emigration, Ankara (8.5%), Antalya (7.8%), Izmir, and Mersin (both 3.3%) followed Istanbul.

Among foreign immigrants, Azerbaijanis topped the list at 9.9%, followed by Turkmen (9.8%), Uzbeks (7.6%), Russians (7.5%), and Iranians (5.9%). For emigration, Iraqis led at 17.4%, followed by Afghans (13.1%), Russians (10.2%), Iranians (5.9%), and Turkmen (5.8%).

The data highlights shifting migration patterns, with Istanbul's role as a magnet for both arrivals and departures remaining unmatched, while young adults continue to drive mobility trends. (ILKHA)