The Federal Council decided to extend Switzerland’s 2024–2025 refugee resettlement programme by two years, until the end of 2027. The extension comes after three years of high pressure on the Swiss asylum system, which had led to a temporary suspension of new resettlement admissions since 2023. Implementation of the extended programme will be gradual and closely coordinated with cantons, cities, and municipalities, taking into account Switzerland’s asylum capacities.
The Federal Department of Justice and Police plans to admit an initial 45 refugees in the second half of 2025, followed by up to 400 people annually in 2026 and 2027. The focus will remain on particularly vulnerable refugees identified by the UNHCR, especially those fleeing acute conflicts and personal persecution in the Middle East and along the Central Mediterranean route. Switzerland will continue to prioritize countries of first asylum with the greatest needs and select individuals likely to integrate successfully.
Refugees posing security risks will not be admitted. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) will oversee selection, while the Federal Department of Justice and Police is tasked with updating the resettlement implementation plan by the end of 2026.