Author: State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
Source: news.admin.ch
Publication date: December 1, 2025
Summary reading time: 3 minutes
Executive Summary
In 2024, Switzerland achieved controlled departure in 69% of 2,446 enforceable expulsions, with this figure expected to increase further. Concurrently, over 10,000 administrative entry bans were imposed, primarily targeting men from North Africa, Syria, and Turkey. The figures demonstrate efficient implementation of criminal and administrative removal measures, yet raise questions about proportionality and long-term impacts on migration management.
Critical Guiding Questions
To what extent is the balance between consistent migration control and humanitarian obligations maintained in current enforcement practices?
What consequences does the strengthened exclusion policy have for economic integration and bilateral relations, particularly with EU/EFTA states?
How sustainable is a system where 80% of expulsions must be carried out under coercion, and what alternatives could increase cooperation?
Scenario Analysis: Future Perspectives
Short-term (1 year):
The enforcement rate will rise to over 75%, while the number of entry bans is likely to continue increasing under current policies. Cantons will face increased enforcement workload and rising costs for coercive measures.
Medium-term (5 years):
Increasing interconnection of European databases (SIS) will enhance the effectiveness of entry bans. Simultaneously, new legal challenges could emerge through the European Court of Human Rights, particularly for individuals with family ties in Switzerland.
Long-term (10-20 years):
Demographic developments and skilled labor shortages could lead to a more differentiated migration policy that distinguishes more clearly between different migrant groups. At the same time, persistent isolation policies could lead to tensions with countries of origin and influence Switzerland's international position.
Main Summary
Core Topic & Context
The press release documents the implementation of criminal expulsions and administrative entry bans in Switzerland for the year 2024. These measures represent central instruments of Swiss migration control and have been technically and administratively developed in recent years.
Key Facts & Figures
- 69% of 2,446 registered enforceable expulsions were carried out by mid-2025
- 80% of executed expulsions were carried out under coercion, only 20% independently
- 10,146 entry bans were imposed by SEM in 2024, with 345 subsequently lifted or suspended
- 47% of entry bans are based on illegal entry, 23% on failure to depart by deadline
- 93% of expelled persons are male, predominantly aged 25-34
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
The measures primarily affect foreign nationals who have committed criminal offenses, with 40% from EU/EFTA states and 60% from third countries. The main countries of origin are Albania, Romania, and Algeria (for expulsions) and Algeria, Syria, Morocco, Turkey, and Afghanistan (for entry bans). Cantons are responsible for enforcement with support from SEM.
Opportunities & Risks
Opportunities:
- Consistent implementation of rule of law decisions
- Increased security through keeping offenders away
- Improved data quality for evidence-based migration policy
Risks:
- High administrative and financial costs for coercive measures
- Potential tensions with countries of origin, particularly EU/EFTA states
- Risk of stigmatizing migrant groups, especially from North Africa and the Middle East
Relevance for Action
Decision-makers should critically evaluate the cost efficiency of current practice, as the high coercion rate of 80% could indicate systemic problems. The clear overrepresentation of certain nationalities requires a differentiated analysis of causes as well as targeted preventive measures and international cooperation.
References
Primary source:
Expulsions 2024: Over two-thirds executed
Verification status: ✅ Facts based on official press release