According to a report by Swiss newspaper Blick, an internal analysis from the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) reveals that in 2024, 80.5% of asylum seekers from Maghreb countries (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania) were implicated in at least one criminal offense. This figure, obtained by Blick, marks the first time such data has been made public.
The SEM analysis, which covers all asylum applications filed in 2024, shows that among the 1,800 Maghreb nationals who applied for asylum, a significant majority had police records or were involved in legal proceedings. The offenses range from minor infractions to more serious crimes, though the report does not specify the exact breakdown.
The Swiss government has been under pressure to address migration and security concerns. In response to these findings, the Federal Council has proposed stricter asylum procedures and faster deportations for individuals from countries with low recognition rates, including Maghreb nations. The SEM has not officially commented on the Blick report, but the data aligns with previous statements from Swiss officials about the challenges of integrating asylum seekers from this region.
Critics argue that such statistics may stigmatize all Maghreb asylum seekers, many of whom are fleeing instability or seeking better economic opportunities. However, supporters of stricter policies point to the need for public safety and the efficient use of asylum resources.
As of August 2026, the SEM has not released an updated version of these figures, and the Blick report remains the primary source for this data.
