Executive Summary

Switzerland recorded a significant decline in asylum applications in February 2026. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) registered 1,556 new asylum applications – a decrease of 8.1 percent compared to January and 11.8 percent compared to February 2025. Afghanistan remains the primary country of origin with 399 applications, followed by Eritrea and Turkey. The SEM decided on 2,350 cases and granted asylum to 538 persons. 810 persons left Switzerland without residence rights.

Persons

Topics

  • Swiss asylum policy
  • Migration statistics
  • Countries of origin of asylum seekers
  • Asylum decisions and deportations

Clarus Lead

Asylum applications in Switzerland declined in February 2026 both month-on-month and year-on-year. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) documents a stable downward trend in new applications, while the authority's decision-making rate remains high. This development signals a relaxation in the asylum sector and affects resource planning as well as integration measures.

Detailed Summary

Switzerland recorded continuously declining asylum applications in February 2026. With 1,556 new applications, the rate is significantly below the previous month (–8.1%) and the year-on-year comparison (–11.8%). Primary applications even declined by 14.7 percent compared to January and 14.2 percent compared to February 2025, totaling 1,138 cases. Secondary applications (births, family reunification, multiple applications) accounted for 418 cases.

The geographic distribution of origins shows a stable structure: Afghanistan leads clearly with 399 applications, followed by Eritrea (164), Turkey (162), Algeria (148), and Somalia (101). These five countries significantly shape the asylum intake.

The SEM demonstrated high decision-making capacity: 2,350 asylum applications were completed in the reporting month. 538 persons were granted asylum. Deportations show a differentiated picture: 810 persons left Switzerland without residence rights, of which 497 voluntarily and 313 under police escort to countries of origin, Dublin states, or third countries.

Key Findings

  • Declining Trend: Asylum applications decline month-on-month (–8.1%) and year-on-year (–11.8%)
  • Geographic Concentration: Afghanistan, Eritrea, and Turkey dominate with over 60% of all applications
  • High Decision Rate: SEM decided on 2,350 cases; asylum approval rate at approximately 23% (538 of 2,350)
  • Deportations: Approximately 35% of departures are voluntary, 65% under official escort

Critical Questions

  1. Data Quality: Is the statistics based on complete recording data from all cantons, or are there regional recording gaps that could distort the overall trend?

  2. Causality of Decline: Is the decline in asylum applications primarily due to stricter admission criteria, changed flight routes, or stabilization in regions of origin?

  3. Deportation Effectiveness: How is the sustainability of voluntary departures measured? Are there data on re-entries or irregular return attempts?

  4. Secondary Applications Trend: Are the 418 secondary applications (family reunification) stable, increasing, or decreasing? What delays occur in family reunification?

  5. Conflicts of Interest: Are asylum decisions influenced by budget pressure or capacity bottlenecks, or do they follow exclusively factual criteria?

  6. Country-Specific Issues: Why do over 25% of all applications originate from Afghanistan? Are current changes in the security situation included in the analysis?

  7. Implementation Risks: How are deportations to fragile states (Somalia, Eritrea) reviewed from international law and humanitarian perspectives?

Sources

Primary Source: Asylum Statistics February 2026 – State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), 18 March 2026

Verification Status: ✓ 18.03.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 18.03.2026