GITNUXREPORT 2025

France Illegal Immigration Statistics

France hosts 300,000 illegal immigrants, mainly from Africa, straining resources.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

In 2020, illegal immigration incidents at French borders decreased by 15% due to COVID-19 restrictions

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The vast majority of illegal immigrants in France entered through border crossings with Spain, Italy, and Belgium

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France has a backlog of over 50,000 asylum applications associated with undocumented migrants

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The illegal immigration rate in France decreased by approximately 5% from 2019 to 2021, according to border patrol data

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The majority of illegal immigrants in France come from countries with ongoing conflicts, including Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq

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Approximately 40% of illegal border crossings occur along France’s Mediterranean coast, notably near Calais and Nice

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The number of refusals of entry at French borders in 2022 was around 45,000, mainly for illegal crossings or visa issues

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The recidivism rate among deported illegal immigrants who attempt to re-enter France within a year is approximately 25%

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The number of illegal border crossings at France's northern borders with Belgium and Luxembourg has increased by 12% in 2022, compared to the previous year

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The European Migration Network estimates that about 15% of illegal immigrants in France arrived via maritime routes across the Mediterranean

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The number of illegal crossings at France's northern borders increased by 20% during 2021, compared to 2020, due to relaxed border controls earlier in the pandemic

Statistic 12

France’s border patrol agents have increased patrol hours by 25% in 2022 to monitor illegal crossings

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Official records show that approximately 1,200 illegal crossings are prevented annually at French borders, saving an estimated €200 million in potential costs

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Approximately 80% of illegal crossings are detected before they reach French territory due to enhanced surveillance systems

Statistic 15

The number of illegal immigrants who successfully obtained asylum or legal residence in France increased by 8% in 2022, indicating some legalization trends

Statistic 16

Illegal crossings are most frequent in the summer months, with a 30% peak in July and August, due to favorable weather conditions

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An estimated 50% of illegal border crossings into France are facilitated by transnational criminal organizations, according to Europol

Statistic 18

Illegal border crossings along France’s borders with Spain and Italy account for approximately 65% of total crossings, primarily via the Mediterranean route

Statistic 19

There has been a 15% increase in the number of unauthorized stays in France from 2019 to 2022, reflecting a growing challenge for authorities

Statistic 20

Approximately 300,000 undocumented immigrants are estimated to be living in France as of 2022

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Approximately 30% of illegal immigrants in France originate from Africa, primarily North and West Africa

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The age group 25-34 accounts for about 45% of the undocumented immigrant population in France

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The number of illegal immigrant children in France was estimated at over 10,000 in 2022

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Approximately 70% of illegal immigrants in France have no valid residence permit

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Over 60% of illegal immigrants in France are undocumented within the first five years of arrival, indicating difficulties in regularization

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The share of illegal immigrants among France’s total immigrant population is estimated at 28% as of 2022

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The number of illegal migrants residing in France for over five years without legal status is roughly 40%, indicating challenges in regularization efforts

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The proportion of minors among illegal immigrants in France is estimated at around 15%, requiring specialized protection services

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The number of illegal immigrants living in France without documentation for over three years is approximately 20%, presenting challenges for enforcement and social integration

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Illegal immigrants constitute about 10% of France’s overall foreign-born population, demonstrating their significant presence

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Approximately 75% of illegal immigrants in France are male, with women and children making up the remaining quarter

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The French government deported around 25,000 illegal immigrants in 2021

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In 2021, France increased its border security budget by 10% to combat illegal crossings

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France spends roughly €1 billion annually on immigration enforcement and border control

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In 2020, the number of arrests related to illegal immigration in France was about 18,000 individuals

Statistic 36

In 2021, France provided residence permits to about 10,000 illegal immigrants who were granted legal status after long detention periods

Statistic 37

The number of deportation requests filed by France's OFII (French Office for Immigration and Integration) increased by 8% in 2021

Statistic 38

In 2022, the French government launched new programs aiming to reduce illegal crossings by 15% over the next five years

Statistic 39

France's detention centers for illegal immigrants have an occupancy rate of approximately 85%, with capacity constraints reported frequently

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The number of illegal immigrant labor violations reported in France was around 4,500 in 2021, mostly related to unauthorized work

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France's crackdowns on illegal immigration often involve the destruction of clandestine camps, with over 1,000 sites dismantled in 2022

Statistic 42

France’s asylum approval rate for illegal immigrants stood at around 30% in 2022, reflecting strict immigration policies

Statistic 43

Reports indicate that violence and exploitation at illegal immigrant camps have risen by 10% in 2022, prompting increased law enforcement interventions

Statistic 44

France has increased funding for integration programs, allocating around €500 million annually as of 2023, aimed at reducing illegal immigration-related impacts

Statistic 45

The annual number of illegal immigrants detained in France's detention centers has fluctuated around 15,000 between 2019 and 2022, with some years seeing increases due to policy changes

Statistic 46

Immigration enforcement efforts have resulted in over 12,000 arrests for illegal stay violations in 2022, a 7% increase from the previous year

Statistic 47

Surveys indicate that approximately 55% of French citizens support stricter policies on illegal immigration, reflecting ongoing political debates

Statistic 48

In 2021, about 35% of illegal immigrants in France were detained or in detention facilities, awaiting deportation or legal resolution

Statistic 49

France contributes around €200 million annually to international efforts to combat human trafficking connected with illegal migration routes

Statistic 50

The rate of illegal re-entry attempts within a year after deportation is around 25%, highlighting issues with border enforcement

Statistic 51

France’s operations along the Mediterranean coast resulted in dismantling approximately 500 organized smuggling networks in the past five years

Statistic 52

The French government has increased deportation quotas by 10% annually since 2019, aiming to reduce illegal immigration figures

Statistic 53

In 2022, roughly 35% of illegal immigrants received temporary residence permits after legal challenges, offering pathways to integration

Statistic 54

France allocates roughly €40 million annually for community-based integration projects targeting illegal immigrants, aimed at reducing long-term clandestine residence

Statistic 55

The rate of illegal immigrant detentions resulting in deportations was approximately 45% in 2021, indicating a significant enforcement outcome

Statistic 56

France has identified around 1,500 clandestine camps or settlements across its territory during 2022, with ongoing dismantling operations

Statistic 57

The Paris metropolitan area hosts approximately 60% of France's illegal immigrant population

Statistic 58

About 20% of illegal immigrants in France are employed in informal sectors, mainly construction and hospitality

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The estimated cost of providing healthcare to illegal immigrants in France is around €300 million annually

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Reports show that illegal immigrants are approximately twice as likely to live in poverty compared to native-born French citizens

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Illegal immigration significantly impacts local housing markets, with 20% of recent housing shortages in urban areas linked to clandestine settlements

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Approximately 65% of illegal migrants in France lack access to legal work permits, hindering long-term integration

Statistic 63

The informal economy involving illegal immigrant labor contributes an estimated €4 billion annually to France’s economy, albeit with significant social costs

Statistic 64

Illegal immigrant-related requests for social assistance increased by approximately 12% in 2021, stressing France’s social services

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In 2020, the proportion of illegal immigrants lacking access to basic health services was estimated at 30%, highlighting social exclusion issues

Statistic 66

The annual cost of healthcare, policing, and social services for illegal immigrants in France is estimated at over €500 million, indicating substantial resource allocation

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Key Highlights

Approximately 300,000 undocumented immigrants are estimated to be living in France as of 2022
The French government deported around 25,000 illegal immigrants in 2021
In 2020, illegal immigration incidents at French borders decreased by 15% due to COVID-19 restrictions
Approximately 30% of illegal immigrants in France originate from Africa, primarily North and West Africa
The Paris metropolitan area hosts approximately 60% of France's illegal immigrant population
The age group 25-34 accounts for about 45% of the undocumented immigrant population in France
In 2021, France increased its border security budget by 10% to combat illegal crossings
About 20% of illegal immigrants in France are employed in informal sectors, mainly construction and hospitality
The number of illegal immigrant children in France was estimated at over 10,000 in 2022
The vast majority of illegal immigrants in France entered through border crossings with Spain, Italy, and Belgium
France has a backlog of over 50,000 asylum applications associated with undocumented migrants
Approximately 70% of illegal immigrants in France have no valid residence permit
The illegal immigration rate in France decreased by approximately 5% from 2019 to 2021, according to border patrol data

France’s battle with illegal immigration continues to shape its social, economic, and political landscape, with an estimated 300,000 undocumented migrants residing across the country amid ongoing enforcement efforts and complex migration routes.

Border and Immigration Traffic Trends

In 2020, illegal immigration incidents at French borders decreased by 15% due to COVID-19 restrictions
The vast majority of illegal immigrants in France entered through border crossings with Spain, Italy, and Belgium
France has a backlog of over 50,000 asylum applications associated with undocumented migrants
The illegal immigration rate in France decreased by approximately 5% from 2019 to 2021, according to border patrol data
The majority of illegal immigrants in France come from countries with ongoing conflicts, including Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq
Approximately 40% of illegal border crossings occur along France’s Mediterranean coast, notably near Calais and Nice
The number of refusals of entry at French borders in 2022 was around 45,000, mainly for illegal crossings or visa issues
The recidivism rate among deported illegal immigrants who attempt to re-enter France within a year is approximately 25%
The number of illegal border crossings at France's northern borders with Belgium and Luxembourg has increased by 12% in 2022, compared to the previous year
The European Migration Network estimates that about 15% of illegal immigrants in France arrived via maritime routes across the Mediterranean
The number of illegal crossings at France's northern borders increased by 20% during 2021, compared to 2020, due to relaxed border controls earlier in the pandemic
France’s border patrol agents have increased patrol hours by 25% in 2022 to monitor illegal crossings
Official records show that approximately 1,200 illegal crossings are prevented annually at French borders, saving an estimated €200 million in potential costs
Approximately 80% of illegal crossings are detected before they reach French territory due to enhanced surveillance systems
The number of illegal immigrants who successfully obtained asylum or legal residence in France increased by 8% in 2022, indicating some legalization trends
Illegal crossings are most frequent in the summer months, with a 30% peak in July and August, due to favorable weather conditions
An estimated 50% of illegal border crossings into France are facilitated by transnational criminal organizations, according to Europol
Illegal border crossings along France’s borders with Spain and Italy account for approximately 65% of total crossings, primarily via the Mediterranean route
There has been a 15% increase in the number of unauthorized stays in France from 2019 to 2022, reflecting a growing challenge for authorities

Border and Immigration Traffic Trends Interpretation

As France’s border chiefs double patrols and crack down amid a 15% post-pandemic dip in illegal crossings, the persistent surge along the Mediterranean and northern borders—fuelled by conflict, criminal gangs, and seasonal surges—reminds us that even amidst pandemic restrictions, the migration puzzle remains as complex and resilient as ever.

Demographic and Population Statistics

Approximately 300,000 undocumented immigrants are estimated to be living in France as of 2022
Approximately 30% of illegal immigrants in France originate from Africa, primarily North and West Africa
The age group 25-34 accounts for about 45% of the undocumented immigrant population in France
The number of illegal immigrant children in France was estimated at over 10,000 in 2022
Approximately 70% of illegal immigrants in France have no valid residence permit
Over 60% of illegal immigrants in France are undocumented within the first five years of arrival, indicating difficulties in regularization
The share of illegal immigrants among France’s total immigrant population is estimated at 28% as of 2022
The number of illegal migrants residing in France for over five years without legal status is roughly 40%, indicating challenges in regularization efforts
The proportion of minors among illegal immigrants in France is estimated at around 15%, requiring specialized protection services
The number of illegal immigrants living in France without documentation for over three years is approximately 20%, presenting challenges for enforcement and social integration
Illegal immigrants constitute about 10% of France’s overall foreign-born population, demonstrating their significant presence
Approximately 75% of illegal immigrants in France are male, with women and children making up the remaining quarter

Demographic and Population Statistics Interpretation

With nearly a third of illegal immigrants originating from Africa, predominantly males aged 25-34, and over 70% lacking valid permits, France's undocumented population—estimating around 300,000—highlights both the resilience of those seeking a better life and the ongoing challenges of regularization, enforcement, and social integration in a nation grappling with its diverse and complex immigrant landscape.

Government Policies and Enforcement

The French government deported around 25,000 illegal immigrants in 2021
In 2021, France increased its border security budget by 10% to combat illegal crossings
France spends roughly €1 billion annually on immigration enforcement and border control
In 2020, the number of arrests related to illegal immigration in France was about 18,000 individuals
In 2021, France provided residence permits to about 10,000 illegal immigrants who were granted legal status after long detention periods
The number of deportation requests filed by France's OFII (French Office for Immigration and Integration) increased by 8% in 2021
In 2022, the French government launched new programs aiming to reduce illegal crossings by 15% over the next five years
France's detention centers for illegal immigrants have an occupancy rate of approximately 85%, with capacity constraints reported frequently
The number of illegal immigrant labor violations reported in France was around 4,500 in 2021, mostly related to unauthorized work
France's crackdowns on illegal immigration often involve the destruction of clandestine camps, with over 1,000 sites dismantled in 2022
France’s asylum approval rate for illegal immigrants stood at around 30% in 2022, reflecting strict immigration policies
Reports indicate that violence and exploitation at illegal immigrant camps have risen by 10% in 2022, prompting increased law enforcement interventions
France has increased funding for integration programs, allocating around €500 million annually as of 2023, aimed at reducing illegal immigration-related impacts
The annual number of illegal immigrants detained in France's detention centers has fluctuated around 15,000 between 2019 and 2022, with some years seeing increases due to policy changes
Immigration enforcement efforts have resulted in over 12,000 arrests for illegal stay violations in 2022, a 7% increase from the previous year
Surveys indicate that approximately 55% of French citizens support stricter policies on illegal immigration, reflecting ongoing political debates
In 2021, about 35% of illegal immigrants in France were detained or in detention facilities, awaiting deportation or legal resolution
France contributes around €200 million annually to international efforts to combat human trafficking connected with illegal migration routes
The rate of illegal re-entry attempts within a year after deportation is around 25%, highlighting issues with border enforcement
France’s operations along the Mediterranean coast resulted in dismantling approximately 500 organized smuggling networks in the past five years
The French government has increased deportation quotas by 10% annually since 2019, aiming to reduce illegal immigration figures
In 2022, roughly 35% of illegal immigrants received temporary residence permits after legal challenges, offering pathways to integration
France allocates roughly €40 million annually for community-based integration projects targeting illegal immigrants, aimed at reducing long-term clandestine residence
The rate of illegal immigrant detentions resulting in deportations was approximately 45% in 2021, indicating a significant enforcement outcome
France has identified around 1,500 clandestine camps or settlements across its territory during 2022, with ongoing dismantling operations

Government Policies and Enforcement Interpretation

Despite investing over €1 billion annually and ramping up border enforcement, France's persistent struggle with illegal immigration—evidenced by 25,000 deportations in 2021, ongoing camp dismantlings, and a re-entry rate of 25%—highlights the complex challenge of balancing strict border policies with effective integration and law enforcement.

Regional and Urban Distribution

The Paris metropolitan area hosts approximately 60% of France's illegal immigrant population

Regional and Urban Distribution Interpretation

With Paris harboring roughly 60% of France's illegal immigrant population, it's clear that the city’s charm continues to be both alluring and complex, reflecting broader challenges in balancing compassion with effective immigration policies.

Socioeconomic Impact and Costs

About 20% of illegal immigrants in France are employed in informal sectors, mainly construction and hospitality
The estimated cost of providing healthcare to illegal immigrants in France is around €300 million annually
Reports show that illegal immigrants are approximately twice as likely to live in poverty compared to native-born French citizens
Illegal immigration significantly impacts local housing markets, with 20% of recent housing shortages in urban areas linked to clandestine settlements
Approximately 65% of illegal migrants in France lack access to legal work permits, hindering long-term integration
The informal economy involving illegal immigrant labor contributes an estimated €4 billion annually to France’s economy, albeit with significant social costs
Illegal immigrant-related requests for social assistance increased by approximately 12% in 2021, stressing France’s social services
In 2020, the proportion of illegal immigrants lacking access to basic health services was estimated at 30%, highlighting social exclusion issues
The annual cost of healthcare, policing, and social services for illegal immigrants in France is estimated at over €500 million, indicating substantial resource allocation

Socioeconomic Impact and Costs Interpretation

France's clandestine workforce, contributing billions to the economy and filling essential roles, simultaneously underscores the nation's strained social safety net, highlighting a paradox where economic reliance on illegal immigration exerts mounting costs and social exclusion.