Switzerland reports high crime rates among North African asylum seekers

Internal data from the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) reveals that approximately 80.5 percent of asylum seekers from North African countries were accused of one or more criminal offenses during or after their asylum proceedings in 2024. This figure is significantly higher than the 12.3 to 12.5 percent crime rate reported among asylum seekers from all other countries of origin.

North African applicants, particularly from Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, face a 99 percent rejection rate for their asylum claims. In response to these figures, Swiss authorities implemented a “24-hour” rule in 2024 to accelerate asylum procedures for these nationalities. SEM spokesperson Daniel Bach stated, “Criminals must leave Switzerland quickly. That is a priority of the asylum strategy.”

To combat delays caused by applicants refusing to provide fingerprints or missing deportation appointments, authorities are considering stricter administrative detention and the systematic use of coercive measures against repeat offenders. Switzerland has also signed an agreement with Morocco to facilitate faster deportations and returns.