SEM Plans Legislative Package Against Criminal Asylum Seekers
Preliminary Procedures Planned – Legislative Package Expected in 2026
The federal government plans to take stricter action against criminal asylum seekers as part of Asylum Strategy 2027. State Secretary Vincenzo Mascioli announced that a security-related legislative package will be presented to the Federal Council this year. Additionally, the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) plans preliminary procedures to reduce obviously unfounded asylum applications.
Double Harm to Society
Mascioli confirmed in an interview with SRF that a real problem exists. “This is a real problem. These individuals cause double harm – first, through their behavior and criminality. Second, they also harm all persons in the asylum sector who behave correctly. These make up 96 percent of Switzerland's asylum-seeking population,” the State Secretary stated.
According to a report by «Blick», cited by SRF, over 80 percent of North African asylum seekers in Switzerland are accused of at least one criminal offense during the process or after a negative decision. These figures are currently unpublished and not independently verified. They refer to accusations, not convictions.
Preliminary Procedures for Four Groups
The SEM aims to reduce the number of obviously unfounded asylum applications. “The goal is to reduce the number of obviously unfounded asylum applications,” Mascioli said. Affected individuals should not enter a regular asylum procedure in the first place. Preliminary procedures will apply to four groups: individuals from states with very low protection rates, cases based solely on medical grounds, EU citizens, and individuals with protected status in another state.
The potential is estimated at approximately 20 percent of asylum applications. This would correspond to about 4,000 to 5,000 individuals per year. A pilot project is planned, but legal questions remain unresolved.
Better Use of Existing Measures
Mascioli points out that existing measures against criminal asylum seekers have not been fully utilized. The relevant authorities need to better inform and coordinate with each other. Furthermore, in the future, it should be prevented that individuals in detention pending deportation must be released due to a lack of travel documents.
The federal government and cantons are working together in a joint working group within the framework of Asylum Strategy 2027 to find solutions. “We intend to present a security-related legislative package to the Federal Council this year,” Mascioli announced. A fast-track procedure, known as the 24-hour procedure, already exists today. The exact details of the new package are still pending.
Asylum Strategy 2027 aims to alleviate the overall burden on the asylum system. According to Mascioli, criminal asylum seekers not only harm society but also those asylum seekers who behave correctly – who constitute the vast majority at 96 percent.
