Factors Contributing to Switzerland's Lower Number of Asylum Seekers Compared to Other European Countries

Switzerland's unique immigration policies and adherence to the Dublin agreement have contributed significantly to its lower number of asylum seekers in comparison to other European countries such as Germany or Sweden. This article explores the factors that have led to this robust immigration management system.

Understanding Asylum Seekers

It is important to clarify that the term 'illegal migrant' is a misnomer, and individuals seeking asylum should be referred to as asylum seekers. There are numerous factors that influence the number of asylum seekers in a country, including legal and policy frameworks, economic conditions, and international agreements.

European Asylum Systems

As a member of the European Union (EU), Germany and Sweden are obligated to follow the EU's common asylum system. This system aims to distribute refugees evenly among member countries to alleviate the strain on individual nations. However, during the 2015 Syrian refugee crisis, only Sweden and Germany honored the common asylum system, resulting in a disproportionate number of asylum seekers in these countries.

Interestingly, Norway, which is not an EU member, opted into the common asylum system during this crisis, recognizing the strain on Sweden and Germany due to the failure of other EU members to adhere to the agreement. This is why Norway has a significant number of asylum seekers, though it is lower than that of Sweden and Germany.

Switzerland's Immigration Policy

Switzerland, not being an EU member, has developed its own immigration policy. In 2021, there were 149,280 new asylum applications, and the main countries of origin for these applications were Afghanistan, Turkey, and Algeria. While the numbers have largely remained consistent, we can observe a peak in 2015 with approximately 40,000 applications. In 2016, the number reduced to 32,000, and in 2017, it further decreased to 20,000.

One of the key factors that sets Switzerland apart is its adherence to the Dublin agreement, which ensures that asylum seekers are processed in the first safe European country of entry. Switzerland strictly adheres to this agreement, preventing countries like Hungary from unilaterally sending individuals to other countries, unlike what occurred with Austria and Germany.

Streamlined Asylum Procedures

Switzerland's immigration process is notably more efficient and streamlined compared to other countries in the region. The absence of conflicting interests between states or cantons ensures a smoother and more organized system. This efficiency is one of the reasons why Switzerland has managed to handle a significant number of asylum seekers without facing the same challenges seen in Germany.

Conclusion

Switzerland's lower number of asylum seekers can be attributed to a combination of factors, including its adherence to the Dublin agreement, efficient immigration policies, and its unique position as a non-EU member. These factors have collectively contributed to a more manageable and ordered approach to immigration management, ensuring that Switzerland can continue to maintain its high standards of efficiency and effectiveness.