Switzerland's Controversial Plan to Deport Eritrean Asylum Seekers via Third Countries
Switzerland is considering a new transit agreement to handle rejected Eritrean asylum seekers. The proposal, put forward by Petra Gössi of the FDP, would require the Federal Council to find a third country willing to temporarily host migrants before their return. This move comes as the EU pushes ahead with its own 'return hubs' plan for migrant deportations via third nations.
The Swiss plan, however, faces opposition from left-wing parties, centrists, and the Federal Council itself. Critics argue that past attempts, such as talks with Senegal in 2002, failed due to practical and financial hurdles. The motion targets only Eritrean nationals whose asylum claims have been rejected in Switzerland. Unlike broader EU schemes, it focuses on a single nationality due to Eritrea's refusal to accept forced returns of its citizens. This policy has created challenges for European countries trying to repatriate rejected applicants.
In 2024, Switzerland backed the idea of a transit agreement, mirroring its earlier failed negotiations with Senegal. Justice Minister Beat Jans acknowledged that identification issues had derailed the 2002 talks. Meanwhile, the EU has made progress with its own approach, securing deals with Rwanda and Albania for temporary migrant housing. The UK also signed a similar agreement with Rwanda in 2022.
Opposition within Switzerland remains strong. A comparable motion was narrowly rejected in the National Council last year. Critics highlight the high costs and inefficiency of such schemes, pointing to past failures. The Federal Council must now decide whether to proceed, despite scepticism from multiple political groups. If approved, the agreement would mark Switzerland's latest attempt to manage rejected asylum seekers through third-country cooperation. The EU's recent approval of 'return hubs' suggests growing momentum for such policies across Europe. Yet Switzerland's experience with Senegal and ongoing political resistance indicate the road ahead may be difficult.
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