Migrants: Switzerland follows Germany’s example, sending asylum seekers who do not fall within its jurisdiction back to Italia

After a hiatus of almost four years, Switzerland is resuming the transfer of asylum seekers who arrived from Italia back to that country. “The first flights have been booked,” Magdalena Baker, spokesperson for the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), confirmed to Swiss German television, explaining that the process will resume from the end of August and that, for the time being, these are only isolated cases.

SEM has agreed with the Italian authorities on a phased resumption: in the interests of both parties, Baker points out, the system must operate ‘sustainably’ and not be overburdened.

The suspension dates back to December 2022, when Italia, shortly after the Meloni Government took office, had suspended all readmissions of asylum seekers. Italy’s willingness to resume these procedures – currently only on a partial basis – is linked to the new European Pact on Migration and Asylum, which came into force on 12 June, and which provides financial support and other relief measures for Italia and other countries of first arrival, subject, however, to compliance with the obligations set out therein.

Rome intends to readmit only those asylum seekers who arrived after that date: this is why the first repatriations agreed with Bern concern cases arising after 12 June. “The new procedures must first be tested on the basis of current cases,” explains Baker, pointing out that there is no agreement with Italia that excludes from repatriation those who arrived before 12 June: the issue remains open.

Germany is taking a similar approach, as it grapples with a case that already has a face. ‘I am very happy to be safe,’ the Somali girl – whom Germany was due to send back to Italia – told ANSA, through Matteo, the president of the evangelical association looking after her.