Poland sends foreigners faster than ever. In the first half of 2026, the deportation flights covered more than 5 and a half 1000 people, almost 1 3rd more than a year earlier. The largest group is the citizens of Georgia and most of the costs are borne by the European Union.
Record six months
Statistics leave no illusions about changing pace. During the first six months of 2026, about 5.6 1000 foreigners were expelled from Poland by air, while in the same period it was just over 4.4 thousand. It's an increase of nearly 30 percent. Only a fewer years ago, akin figures were recorded on a yearly basis. Experts, among them Wojciech Dzięgiel from the Pulaski Foundation, explain this change with greater efficiency of services and a more firm approach of the state to enforce the return decision.
Georgia in the lead
For a long time, Georgia's citizens have been the largest group of returnees. In 2025, the Uzbeks took second place, and in 2026 the Colombians advanced. The typical operation looks similar: in late May 10 Georgians left Poland on board an airplane from Łódź as part of an action coordinated by EU agency Frontex. 7 of them were covered by return decisions issued for reasons of State security, public order or the interest of the Republic. This shows that expulsions primarily concern those who have violated the law or lost the grounds for legal residence.
How much does it cost?
The cost of each operation includes air transport, accommodation, board, medical care, interpreters and preparation of travel documents. erstwhile these expenses cannot be recovered from the country of origin of the migrant, they shall be charged to the budget. However, the key is who truly funds return. The vast majority of operations, between 85 and 90 percent, are carried out with the support of Frontex. From the EU programme FAMI Poland gained over 174 million PLN, adding about 58 million PLN of its own funds.
Cheaper than idle
Supporters of this policy rise a simple argument: organized, efficient return comes cheaper than years of protracted procedures and keeping people without a right of residence. Behind the dry statistic is simply a clear signal from the state that the stay against regulations has its end and administrative decisions are enforced, not just issued. The scale of this year's return shows that after years of accusations of helplessness, Polish services regain the initiative and migration ceases to be an area where the law remains on paper.
