Decline in irregular migration 2024
Irregular migration to Switzerland significantly decreased in 2024, with 29,459 cases recorded, marking a notable reduction compared to the previous year. Nationals from Syria, Afghanistan, and Turkey are the most affected. Additionally, fewer suspected smuggling cases were reported to the relevant cantonal police.
Irregular migration on the decline
In 2024, 29,459 cases of irregular migrants were recorded. This was a significant decrease in the number of cases compared to the previous year (2023: 50,185).
The persons detained across Switzerland were primarily of Syrian (7,464), Afghan (4,123) and Turkish (4,091) nationality.
In 280 cases, the FOCBS reported suspected people smuggling to the relevant cantonal police – the figure for the previous year was 388. In addition, 4,765 irregular migrants were handed back to foreign authorities. This figure is also significantly lower than the previous year (2023: 7,614).
The FOCBS works closely with cantonal and national authorities in the field of migration. Responsibility for analysing the general situation of migration to Switzerland lies principally with the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
The FOCBS engages in intensive dialogue with its domestic and foreign partner authorities, particularly the SEM, in order to be able to react to changing situations at an early stage.
