The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) published its monthly asylum statistics on 16 July 2026, confirming a marked easing of asylum pressure on Switzerland. According to the figures, a total of 9 734 asylum requests were lodged between January and June 2026 – 1 907 fewer than in the same period of 2025, representing a 16 % decline. In June alone, 1 777 people sought asylum, down 20 % year-on-year. SEM analysts attribute the downward trend primarily to a sharp reduction in boat arrivals on Italy’s southern shores and a continued drop in claims from Turkish nationals. Afghanistan nonetheless remained the main country of origin (456 requests in June), followed by Eritrea, Algeria, Türkiye and Somalia. Roughly 80 % of all June claims were “primary” (first-time) applications, with the remainder linked to family reunification, births in Switzerland or repeat filings. The agency decided 2 235 cases at first instance during the month, granting protection in just under one-third of them. It also removed 872 people without the right to remain; 527 departed voluntarily, while 345 were forcibly returned to their country of origin, the responsible Dublin State or a safe third country. For employers and cantonal authorities, the figures suggest that reception-centre capacity will remain manageable over the summer peak travel season, reducing the risk of emergency overflow accommodation that can complicate local labour-market planning. Corporates should nevertheless monitor any sudden spikes linked to geopolitical flashpoints, as SEM emphasised that “migration movements can change rapidly”. From a policy perspective, the release bolsters the Federal Council’s argument that recent procedural reforms—such as accelerated first-instance rulings and expanded return-assistance packages—are delivering results. However, NGOs caution that declining numbers do not automatically translate into faster integration of recognised refugees, many of whom still face bottlenecks in language training and recognition of professional qualifications.
Source: Swiss Federal Council / SEM
