Switzerland’s Asylum Return Rate Reaches New High of 60%
Switzerland has achieved a remarkable success in returning asylum seekers, with a return rate of 60% in 2024, a new high in Europe. This represents an 18% increase from the previous year, highlighting the country’s growing efficiency in handling the return of asylum seekers.
According to Beat Jans, the Swiss government’s representative for asylum affairs, around 7,000 people were successfully returned in 2024. Jans attributed this success to improved cooperation between the federal government and cantons, leading to faster and more efficient return processes. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) played a crucial role in providing the necessary documents for a swift return.
Despite this success, challenges persist, particularly in the high pressure on cantons to handle the increasing number of cases. Switzerland is working to expand international agreements to facilitate future returns. The country has signed 66 migration agreements, reducing the number of refugees arriving in Switzerland and creating safer conditions for those involved.
Algeria and Morocco are key partners in Switzerland’s return efforts, with agreements in place since 2006 and ongoing negotiations, respectively. In contrast, other European countries, such as France and Germany, struggle with lower return rates, despite repeated promises of improvement.
Germany, for example, has failed to make significant progress, with return rates remaining low despite promises of increased efforts after terrorist attacks. The public’s disappointment with the lack of progress is growing, particularly after tragic incidents like the recent stabbings in Bayern.
Switzerland’s approach, striking a balance between humanitarian concerns and practical migration policy, sets an example. As Europe faces growing migration challenges, the Swiss model of cooperation with national and international partners could provide valuable impulses for other countries seeking to improve their return efforts.