Switzerland to Return Asylum Seekers to Italy Under New EU Pact

Switzerland is set to resume returning asylum seekers to Italy who are not under its jurisdiction, mirroring Germany's policy shift following the new EU migration pact. This decision marks a significant development for Italy, which had previously suspended such readmissions.

Magdalena Baker, spokesperson for the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration, announced that the procedure will restart gradually, initially affecting a small number of individuals. Return flights are scheduled to commence by the end of August. While the initial numbers are limited, the move carries political weight in a Europe where anti-immigration sentiments are influencing political discourse.

Italy, under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, had suspended the readmission of migrants who arrived on its shores but later moved to other European countries. The Dublin Regulation requires the country of first entry to process asylum claims, placing Italy in a difficult position when it froze the mechanism four years ago, citing migratory pressure.

The resumption of these returns is linked to the new EU pact on migration, which came into effect on June 12. The pact aims to provide support and compensation to frontline states like Italy, provided they adhere to treaty obligations, including examining asylum applications. Switzerland, though not an EU member, participates in the Schengen Agreement and thus adheres to its migration policies.

Baker emphasized Switzerland's interest in a sustainable and lasting system for managing returns, stating that no specific agreement with Italy has yet been reached for this process. The situation raises questions about Italy's response, particularly as Germany also plans to return migrants, potentially affecting thousands.

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It is in Switzerland's interest that the resumption is managed sustainably for both parties, so that the system functions durably and is not overloaded.