In the third quarter of 2026, significantly fewer refugees arrived in Saxony than in the same period last year. From July through September, 860 people were registered at the Free State’s reception centers, according to the State Directorate. That was 404 fewer—or about one-third fewer—than in the third quarter of 2025. There was an increase of about 11 percent in deportations. A total of 224 individuals required to leave the country were deported, the majority of whom were rejected asylum seekers (177). The main destination countries were Turkey, Georgia, North Macedonia, Venezuela, and Pakistan. Among those deported were 56 criminals. In addition, 369 people left the country voluntarily—roughly the same number as in the same quarter of the previous year. This figure includes both self-funded departures and those receiving financial assistance. Most of the returnees were nationals of Turkey, Syria, Venezuela, Georgia, and the Russian Federation. Copyright 2026, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved