Operation KALKAN-31 in Türkiye focuses on tackling unlawful migration

In Türkiye, Operation Kalkan-31 has been conducted to identify illegal immigrants and tackle migrant smuggling organisers.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya provided an update on the operation in a statement shared on social media platform X, Caliber.Az reports.

Ülke genelinde düzenlenen “KALKAN-31” operasyonlarında 7’si yabancı uyruklu olmak üzere toplam:
⛔️43 göçmen kaçakçılığı organizatörü ve
⛔️1.298 düzensiz göçmen yakalandı❗️

Ülkemizin huzur ve güvenliğini sağlamak için düzensiz göç ve göçmen kaçakçılığına karşı mücadelemizi… pic.twitter.com/cVDcOMSiKQ

— Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) November 25, 2024

"During an operation carried out nationwide, 43 people involved in migrant smuggling were arrested, along with 1,298 illegal immigrants, 7 of whom were foreign nationals. The process of repatriating the identified illegal immigrants has begun," the statement reads.

Notably, irregular migration remains one of the most urgent global challenges today. Türkiye's strategy for addressing irregular migration and human trafficking is based on upholding the rule of law, human rights, and civilisational values.

“We will not allow human traffickers to make our country a destination or a transit route for irregular migration. Our operations continue with determination across all regions,” Yerlikaya remarked. Authorities have commended the efforts of prosecutors, brave police officers, and staff from the Migration Management Department for their effective coordination and successful operations.

By Aghakazim Guliyev