Decline in new applications for international protection in May 2025

In May 2025, Switzerland recorded 2,025 new applications for international protection, marking a 14% decrease compared to May 2024. The main countries of origin were Afghanistan (479 applications), Eritrea (351), and Turkey (184), followed by Somalia (156) and Algeria (138). Of the total applications, 1,645 were primary requests and 380 were secondary requests (related to births, family reunification, or multiple filings), with primary applications falling by nearly 8% from the previous year. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) processed 2,397 international protection cases in first instance, granting asylum in nearly 25% of cases. Regarding departures from Switzerland, 936 individuals without residence permits left under official supervision (617 voluntarily, 319 via police-escorted returns), in addition to 970 uncontrolled departures. By the end of May, 5,305 cases were receiving return assistance.