Alarming Crime Rates Among North African Asylum Seekers
According to a recent analysis by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), there is a striking disparity in the criminal behavior exhibited by asylum seekers, particularly among young men from North Africa. The report indicates that in 2024, approximately 80.5% of North African asylum seekers faced allegations of one or more criminal offenses during or following their asylum procedures. This figure significantly contrasts with the 12.3% of asylum seekers from other regions who were accused of similar crimes, as reported by the Swiss publication, Blick.
SEM spokesperson Daniel Bach pointed out that young men from the Maghreb region are primarily responsible for incidents occurring in federal asylum centers, and they account for a substantial portion of the crimes attributed to asylum seekers. However, Bach was quick to emphasize that the majority of asylum seekers behave appropriately, noting that in 2025, a remarkable 96% of the entire asylum-seeking population had not been accused of any offense.
Accelerated Procedures for Asylum Seekers from the Maghreb
The SEM has highlighted that asylum seekers from Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia have very low chances of being granted protection in Switzerland, with 99% of their applications being rejected. In response to this situation, a fast-tracked 24-hour procedure was implemented in 2024, aimed at facilitating rapid decisions and deportations for these individuals. Despite these measures, the SEM acknowledges that the number of applications from the Maghreb region has not significantly declined.
Many applicants have reportedly refused to provide fingerprints, failed to attend scheduled appointments, or left the country shortly after arriving. Consequently, such applications are now being informally dismissed. The Swiss federal government is also focused on expediting the removal of individuals who have committed crimes, which Bach identifies as a priority within their asylum strategy. To achieve this goal, the federal and cantonal authorities are collaborating through a task force, and there are plans to tighten administrative detention regulations.
Furthermore, the SEM has noted improvements in cooperation with Maghreb countries, including the establishment of an agreement with Morocco to expedite the identification process. The overarching aim remains to prevent asylum seekers from these nations from filing applications in Switzerland altogether.
As reported by nau.ch.
