Breaking Down Border Disputes: Switzerland Stands Against Germany's Tough Immigration Policies
Unlawful Refusal of Asylum in Switzerland Prohibited - In Switzerland, granting asylum seekers rejections is deemed unlawful
Switzerland's federal government has stepped forward in criticism of Germany's saturating border control measures, regarding them as unlawful. The newly appointed Federal Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), has announced plans for the Federal Police to now have the authority to deny asylum seekers entry at the border - excluding vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women or families with children[1].
Switzerland's Justice Ministry quickly countered, stating on the X platform that "systematic rejections at the border violate existing law." The Swiss authorities "are considering measures," as a potential response[1].
Justice Minister Beat Jans has proposed a ministerial meeting to address the issue. While he hasn't yet made any public statements regarding Switzerland's response to rejected asylum seekers, the coalition agreement between the Union and SPD calls for consultation with neighboring countries for all implemented measures[1].
In recent years, Germany has tightened border controls, including those with Switzerland, in 2023. About 10,000 individuals were turned away at Swiss borders last year, as per a report by broadcaster SRF[2]. A key concern is the potential impact on commuters who daily cross the border for work[1].
Poland has also voiced its opposition to Germany's plans to expand border controls and dismiss asylum seekers. Former Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk remarked, "Germany will let into its territory whoever it wants. Poland will only let into its territory those it accepts," during a press conference with the new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz[1].
Switzerland's Policies and Reactions
- Policy Concerns: Switzerland is troubled by Germany's policy of turning away asylum seekers, believing it contradicts the existing legal frameworks[1].
- Government Response: In response to these developments, the Swiss government is contemplating possible measures and has proposed a ministerial meeting to discuss the implications[1].
Refining Afghan Asylum Policies
- Adjusted Deportation Policy: In April 2025, Swiss authorities revised their policy for Afghan asylum seekers. Now, healthy, single men with family ties in Afghanistan may be subject to deportation. However, critics argue this could potentially violate international human rights principles[3].
- Ethnic Profiling Allegations: Denials of ethnic-based deportations, especially of Pashtuns, have been dismissed by the Swiss government[3].
A Regional Shift in Immigration Policies
- Varied EU+ Recognition Rates: Recognition rates for Afghan asylum seekers differ significantly among EU+ member countries. For example, Switzerland's recognition rate was 93% between December 2024 and February 2025, while Germany's was just 33% for international protection alone[3].
In conclusion, Switzerland takes issue with the stricter border policies implemented by Germany. The Swiss government is assessing potential countermeasures, maintaining compliance with legal frameworks, and emphasizing coordination with neighboring countries.
- Switzerland's government finds Germany's policy of denying asylum seekers entry at the border to be a violation of existing law.
- The Swiss Justice Minister has proposed a ministerial meeting to address the issue of Germany's border policies, emphasizing the need for coordination with neighboring countries.
- In 2025, Switzerland revised its Afghan asylum policy, potentially violating international human rights principles by subjects healthy, single men with family ties in Afghanistan to deportation.
- While recognition rates for Afghan asylum seekers differ significantly among EU+ member countries, Switzerland's rate was significantly higher than Germany's between December 2024 and February 2025.
