Expedited Deportations from Switzerland to Morocco
After months of negotiations, the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) in Switzerland has announced a series of expulsion flights to Morocco, marking a significant shift in its historically tense collaboration with Moroccan authorities. The recent events in Ceuta, where thousands attempted to breach barriers or swim to safety, have underscored the vulnerabilities of the European Union's external borders, capturing the attention of Swiss officials. Despite Ceuta not being part of the Schengen area, Zurich's cantonal police conducted random checks on flights from Spain, reporting no irregularities.
Concerns and Criticism in Bern
The announcement of deportations has raised significant concerns within the Swiss government, particularly in Bern, where currently 353 Moroccan nationals are facing expulsion. Notably, over 20% of these individuals reside in the Bern canton. Out of the 83 identified migrants, 41 have been located, but challenges remain. State Councillor Philippe Müller has highlighted the complexity of the expulsion process, noting that 23 individuals are untraceable, while 14 others are either in pre-trial detention or serving time for criminal offenses. Müller emphasizes the need for extending detention periods related to deportations to at least 18 months to ensure that those facing expulsion do not view Switzerland as an attractive destination for illegal entry.
Furthermore, Müller has expressed frustration at the Moroccan authorities for their perceived lethargy in handling repatriations. He criticized the administrative delays that often see the identification of Moroccan nationals in criminal proceedings take mere weeks, while the embassy may take over a year to process deportations. He shared a troubling case of a Moroccan minor who has faced repeated police encounters, suggesting that Morocco's lack of responsiveness violates the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
In this context, the Swiss federal administration acknowledges that Morocco has little incentive to repatriate delinquent minors, often leveraging the migration issue for its own interests. Switzerland's position on Western Sahara, which Morocco claims, adds another layer of complexity to diplomatic relations, as Switzerland has not recognized Morocco's annexation of the territory, causing discontent in Rabat.
In response to Müller’s concerns, Justice Minister Beat Jans has taken action, leading to a surge in investigations and interactions between the two nations. Following months of stagnation, Moroccan authorities have accelerated their processes dramatically, verifying 185 identities in April alone, compared to just one in the months prior. This increase reflects a newfound urgency to address the situation. In May, State Secretary for Migration Vincenzo Mascioli visited Rabat to formalize an agreement on return procedures. The SEM has reported a marked improvement in cooperation, with the number of forced returns in the first half of 2026 nearly matching the total for all of 2025. With more flights to Morocco on the horizon, the SEM anticipates an increase in deportation figures in the coming weeks.
As reported by blick.ch.
