Summary

The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) recorded a total of 1,590 asylum applications in April 2026. This represents a decline of 16 percent compared to April 2025 (–307 applications). In the first four months of 2026, the total number of applications was 15 percent below the previous year's level (6,333 vs. 7,403). Afghanistan remains the leading country of origin with 380 applications, followed by Algeria, Eritrea, Turkey, and Somalia. Of the 1,590 applications, 1,240 were initial applications and 350 were subsequent applications.

Persons

  • State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) (Swiss authority)

Topics

  • Swiss asylum statistics
  • Migration and asylum policy
  • Countries of origin of asylum seekers

Clarus Lead

The continuous decline in asylum applications since the beginning of the year signals a stabilizing migration situation in Switzerland. With a 15 percent decline in the first four months of 2026 compared to the previous year, the data points to a normalization following the peak values of previous years. Particularly relevant: The approval rate remains constant (just under one-fifth), while return rates stabilize (816 controlled departures, of which 493 voluntary).

Detailed Summary

In April 2026, the SEM made first-instance decisions on 2,030 asylum applications, of which 465 were approved (just under 23 percent). The applications were distributed among five main countries of origin: Afghanistan dominates with 380 applications, followed by Algeria (172), Eritrea (158), Turkey (150), and Somalia (87).

The return rate shows a differentiated picture: 816 persons without residence rights left Switzerland under controlled conditions, of which 493 did so voluntarily. Additionally, 323 persons were police-escorted to their country of origin, the responsible Dublin state, or a third country. In parallel, the SEM registered 654 uncontrolled departures, indicating a group of persons who left the country without official escort.

The distinction between initial and subsequent applications clarifies the structure of migration movements: While initial applications declined by 19 percent (–298), the number of subsequent applications (births, family reunifications, multiple applications) remained stable. This suggests that the decline is primarily due to fewer new arrivals, not changes in family structures or multiple applications.

Key Findings

  • Asylum applications in April 2026 16 percent lower than in the same month of the previous year
  • Year-on-year comparison (Jan–Apr): 15 percent decline compared to 2025
  • Afghanistan remains the leading country of origin with 380 applications
  • 23 percent of first-instance decisions were approved (465 of 2,030)
  • 816 controlled returns in April, of which 493 voluntary

Critical Questions

  1. Evidence: What factors explain the 16 percent decline compared to April 2025? Are these seasonal fluctuations or structural changes in migration routes?

  2. Data Quality: How complete are the figures on uncontrolled departures (654 in April)? Are there unreported cases of persons leaving the country undetected?

  3. Causality: Does the stable approval rate (just under one-fifth) result from only more qualified applications being submitted, or does the assessment practice remain constant?

  4. Feasibility: How effective are police-escorted returns (323 persons) compared to voluntary departures? What costs are incurred per return?

  5. Conflicts of Interest: To what extent do bilateral readmission agreements (Dublin procedures) influence the statistics and shift burdens to other countries?

Sources

Primary Source: State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) – Asylum Statistics April 2026 https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/-Qj0rmKkKM0G

Verification Status: ✓ 12.05.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-check: 12.05.2026