Switzerland experienced an 18.5% increase in the number of rejected asylum seekers leaving the country in 2024, according to a report from the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) released
on Friday. A total of 7,205 individuals departed after their asylum applications were denied, compared to 6,077 in 2023.
Higher departures and Dublin transfers
The rise in departures included both returns to countries of origin and transfers under the Dublin Regulation. In 2024, 4,248 rejected asylum seekers were sent back to their home countries, representing a 14.7% increase from the previous year. Dublin transfers, where asylum seekers are sent to the European country responsible for processing their application, also rose significantly, reaching 2,491—a 23.3% increase. This occurred despite Italy’s continued refusal to accept Dublin transfers from Switzerland or other European nations.
Details of departures
Of the 7,205 rejected asylum seekers, 34.2% (2,467 individuals) left voluntarily, while 65.8% (4,738 individuals) were returned under escort to their home country, a third country, or a Dublin state.
Among those who left independently, Turkish nationals formed the largest group, with 667 individuals departing—an increase of 96.1% compared to 2023. They were followed by Algerians (317, down 9.4%) and Georgians (250, up 4.2%).
For escorted returns, Algerians were the most represented group, with 742 individuals being returned (a 37.4% rise), followed by Moroccans (416, up 32.5%) and Afghans (382, up 6.4%).
Decline in Swiss asylum numbers, including Ukrainians
Despite an uptick in new asylum applications, Swiss authorities managed to maintain stability in the number of pending departures. At the end of 2024, 4,323 individuals awaiting removal had yet to leave, a slight increase from 4,162 in 2023.
Voluntary returns among Ukrainian beneficiaries of protection status S also declined. In 2024, 6,059 Ukrainians returned to their home country, significantly fewer than the 10,978 who did so in 2023.
Total departures in 2024
Combining both rejected asylum seekers and Ukrainians returning voluntarily, a total of 13,264 individuals left Switzerland in 2024. Photo by Yesuitus2001, Wikimedia commons.