In a report adopted on 15 April 2026, the Swiss Federal Council concluded that while externalising asylum procedures or returns to third countries is legally possible, there were significant legal, practical and financial obstacles.
In the report, the Federal Council highlighted compliance with human rights standards, high initial costs and reliance on partner countries. The government stressed that such measures cannot replace the national asylum system and will instead continue to prioritise efficient domestic procedures, alongside strengthened European and international cooperation, including under the Asylum Strategy 2027.
Source(s)
- Federal Council | Der Bundesrat | Conseil fédéral | Consiglio federale (15 April, 2026), L’externalisation des procédures d’asile à l’étranger et l’exécution des renvois dans des États tiers face à des obstacles majeurs [Outsourcing of asylum procedures abroad and the enforcement of returns to third countries faces major obstacles],