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PARIS, Feb 4 (Reuters) - The French government is pleased with the latest data indicating a more than 25% increase in deportations of migrants last year, a move aimed at addressing the rise in far-right support through immigration control efforts.

Preliminary figures released by the Interior Ministry reveal that approximately 22,000 undocumented migrants were deported from France in 2024, marking a significant 27% surge compared to 2023.

Of those deported, nearly 13,000 were forcibly expelled, around 5,000 received assistance to depart voluntarily, and approximately 4,000 left on their own, as reported by the ministry.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, known for his conservative stance, has been leading initiatives to combat migration and drug-related offenses associated with Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) party.

Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin, a former interior minister, praised the results, commending the enforcement of the stringent policy throughout the prior year, as continued by Retailleau, stating on X, I am delighted with these results obtained thanks to the firm policy we pursued during the first nine months of last year, continued by Bruno Retailleau.

In contrast, Le Pen highlighted a 1.8% uptick in residency permits issued in 2024, amounting to 336,710 permits, revealed in the same data.

Describing this increase as "a new record," Le Pen emphasized the significance of the figures. Notably, three-quarters of those receiving permits were either students or individuals relocating to France for family or humanitarian reasons, according to the interior ministry.

In a statement on X, Le Pen emphasized the need for immediate action and the implementation of essential measures to regain control of France's migration policy.

Recent remarks by Prime Minister François Bayrou, which garnered acclaim from the far right but faced criticism from leftist opponents, nearly derailed budget negotiations last week.