Foreigners Deceived by Promises of Arranged Entry to the Territories of EU Member States Detained

Within the measures taken by the State Migration Service against illegal migration, 20 foreigners who overstayed their visas at various addresses and participated in organizing illegal migration were detained in Baku city. It was determined that 18 of these individuals were arranged to enter the country's territory with promises of being transported to the territories of EU member states by using the territory of Azerbaijan in exchange for 5-8 thousand dollars.

The organizers spread propaganda about the easy transportation of foreigners to the territories of the European Union through a tourism company located in a foreign country, seized passports of 18 foreigners with the aim of convincing them to prepare the documents upon their arrival in the Republic of Azerbaijan, embezzled  their money, and created conditions for the foreigners to become irregular migrants by preventing them from leaving the country during the visa period.  

As a result of the measures taken, two foreigners who committed the mentioned illegal acts were identified and detained, and the materials related to the detected cases were sent to the relevant law enforcement body for legal assessment.

In general, 6,306 foreigners and stateless persons were detained within the measures against illegal migration during January-August 2023. It was identified that they were residing without documents granting them the right to stay and reside in the country (illegally) engaging in activities inconsistent with the declared purpose of their entry into the country, being involved in illegal labor activities, or not residing at the registered address.

During this period, 2331 foreigners violating migration legislation were administratively expelled from the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan and their entry into the country was restricted for a legally defined period, while others were provided with the opportunity to legalize their residence in the country or to voluntarily leave the country.

Additionally, a total of 15163 administrative decisions were made regarding issues related to staying, residing in the country, employment of foreigners, and other relevant matters.

Furthermore, materials related to the organization of illegal migration and human trafficking cases were forwarded to the relevant law enforcement body for legal assessment.

Citizens are kindly requested to inform (012) "919" Call Center of the State Migration Service if they encounter cases of illegal migration.

The call center operates 24 hours, 7 days a week.