Asylum in Switzerland
Asylum in Switzerland and immigration through this route is undertaken annually by many individuals. A refugee is someone who, for reasons such as:
- War
- Racial discrimination
- Ethnicity
- Religion
- Political issues
- Environmental issues
- Gender and membership in specific social and political groups
- Has been persecuted and has sought refuge in another country for his or her life
Immigration to Switzerland through asylum must know adequate information such as how to apply for asylum in Switzerland and provide legitimate and convincing reasons to the authorities. The conditions for refugees in Swiss camps are harsh and severe; therefore, selecting alternative routes for immigration would be a better decision.
Understanding the general concept of what asylum is very important in choosing your method of immigration. For more information on other immigration methods, please contact Malekpour Institute and receive free consultation. In the comments section, you can also ask your questions and receive responses in a short time.
Conditions for Asylum in Switzerland
Asylum seekers often face dangerous journeys, relying on smugglers and unsafe vessels to reach their destination. Upon arrival, they must register with border police to submit their asylum request.
For Iranians, asylum conditions in Switzerland can be more favorable if they have a strong case, especially involving life threats due to religion, gender, or race. However, the authenticity of the claim is crucial. Illegal immigration to Switzerland is risky and strongly discouraged.
Dangers and Consequences of Seeking Asylum
Switzerland is not the most suitable country for asylum; the disadvantages of migrating to Switzerland through asylum are numerous. The risks and consequences of seeking asylum include significant issues that applicants must be aware of:
| Residence restrictions | Inability to transfer capital from the country of origin |
| Re-entry ban to European countries | Discrimination and racism |
| Mental stress due to uncertainty | Communication problems |
| Restrictions on employment | Feeling of exclusion |
| Very low income | Restrictions on social relations |
| High living costs | Possibility of threats by officers of the country of origin |
| Political persecution in different countries | Ban on travel to some countries |
| Lack of full citizenship rights | Restrictions on job choice |
It should be noted that the Malekpour Institute provides no consultation or services regarding asylum, and this part of the article is solely for the purpose of informing about the drawbacks and dangers of asylum.
How to Apply for Asylum in Switzerland
In Switzerland, asylum applications can be submitted verbally or in writing, with no strict formal criteria. Applicants are assigned to one of six federal asylum centers across the country for processing.
Applications must be submitted at an open border crossing or international airport control point. Most asylum seekers apply at one of the six regional federal centers. Requests are accepted only at Swiss borders or on Swiss territory.
- Airport Procedure:
Non-Schengen travelers arriving via Zurich or Geneva airports apply for asylum in the airport transit area. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) decides on entry permission. The asylum process continues in the transit zone.
- Preparation Phase:
This phase lasts 10 days under Dublin regulations and 21 days otherwise. Personal data, fingerprints, and biometric information are collected and checked against European databases. Travel and identity documents are verified, and further investigations may occur. Asylum seekers receive free counseling about their rights, obligations, and the asylum process. An initial interview is conducted to build trust and assess the case, including checking if another country is responsible under the Dublin system.
- Appealing Rejection:
If asylum is denied, applicants have 5 working days to appeal to the Federal Administrative Court. Only one appeal is allowed, and overturning decisions is rare.
Monthly salary of Asylum Seekers in Switzerland
The federal government of Switzerland has not established a specific amount for refugees, as immigration services assess each canton’s individual situation and determine the amount of assistance accordingly. However, generally and on average, Switzerland pays about 400 francs per month to asylum seekers. Experience has shown that this amount is inadequate for living in this country.
Best Cases for Asylum in Switzerland
Individuals entering Switzerland as refugees must present their cases in the form of asylum requests backed by evidence and documentation. These cases cover various subjects, which we explain in this section regarding types of asylum cases.
- Social Cases
These include situations such as sexual orientation, forced marriage, war trauma, or rape. Applicants must provide credible evidence to support their claims of persecution or harm.
- Political Cases
These involve individuals persecuted for opposing their government or holding differing political views. Many have been imprisoned, tortured, or targeted due to activism or dissent.
- Religious Cases
Among the strongest grounds for asylum, religious cases apply when someone faces threats or torture for converting to another faith or following a minority religion. In some Islamic countries, changing religion can lead to death, making this a strong basis for asylum. Applicants must show deep knowledge of and genuine belief in their new religion, with supporting documentation.
Text for Asylum Application to Switzerland
One of the most important stages in applying for asylum in Switzerland is writing the application text. The text must contain sufficient explanations and highlight important points. Key points to be highlighted in the text include:
- Fear of Returning to the Home Country
- Reasons for Harassment
- Inability and Reasons for Leaving the Country
- Lack of Government Support for the Applicant
Swiss Asylum Application Form
The Swiss asylum application form is a document individuals must fill out carefully. Any deficiencies or mistakes in entering information may disrupt the entire process. The Swiss asylum application form can be downloaded from the Swiss immigration office website.
Alternative Methods to Asylum in Switzerland
Asylum is one of the most difficult and risky immigration paths. While Switzerland is a safe country, its refugee camps often lack proper security, are overcrowded, and have poor conditions, increasing health risks. If you’re asking “which country accepts refugees,” consider safer alternatives like work visas, student permits, investment, or self-sufficiency programs instead of asylum in Switzerland.
- Working in Switzerland
To immigrate for work in Switzerland, you need a work visa for this country. Obtaining a Work Visa for Switzerland is one type of long-term visa for Switzerland.
It is also known as the national visa or D category visa. This visa allows the holder to work in Switzerland during its validity period.
- Studying in Switzerland
For studying in Switzerland, you must first apply for a student visa to be permitted to enter this country.
During your studies, you are allowed to work only fifteen hours a week in part-time jobs as a student in Switzerland.
However, during holidays, you can work full-time.
- Investment Methods in Switzerland
Switzerland offers two programs for foreigners wishing to obtain residency through company registration and self-sustainability, allowing applicants to receive Swiss residency for themselves and their families by participating in these programs.
The Migration of Retirees to Switzerland program is available for individuals aged 55 and over.
- Marriage to a Swiss Citizen
Marriage in Switzerland grants residency to the foreign individual.
Foreign nationals who are married to Swiss citizens abroad can apply for residence after living together for at least six years and provided they have a connection to Switzerland. If the couple lives in Switzerland,
- Birth in Swiss
Birth in Switzerland is the last path for immigration. Individuals born to Swiss parents automatically receive Swiss nationality.
Like most countries, Switzerland grants citizenship to newborns through blood. A newborn will receive the citizenship of this country if either the father or mother is Swiss.
Obtaining Asylum Through Switzerland’s Humanitarian Visa
Switzerland’s asylum laws state that entry to Switzerland for humanitarian reasons may be possible under a humanitarian visa. This type of visa request usually can only be made in the country of origin, not in third countries. Switzerland accepts asylum as one of the methods of immigration to this country, but does not provide good living conditions for refugees while they are in the camp.
In practice, Switzerland issues very few humanitarian visas and interprets the criteria in a very clear manner. (The individual must be under an immediate, serious, and real threat to life.)
Conditions of Swiss Camps
The situation of refugees in Swiss camps is tough, and conditions are deteriorating. Refugees in camps lack privacy and live in very cramped spaces. Long-term residency in these camps can lead to both physical and mental health issues.
Due to the severe conditions of refugee camps, the circumstances for asylum in Switzerland are not suitable at all. The type of asylum case in Switzerland does not help in being placed in a good or bad camp. Overall, the conditions for asylum in Switzerland are difficult and distressing for these individuals.
Obtaining Citizenship in Switzerland Through Asylum
Under the Dublin law, the first European country where you are fingerprinted is responsible for processing your asylum application. To seek asylum in Switzerland, avoid being fingerprinted in other EU countries.
Yes, Switzerland does accept refugees—but only if your asylum case is approved. A successful case can lead to official refugee status and eventual residency in Switzerland.
After ten years of obtaining Permanent residency in Switzerland and meeting all conditions such as integration into society and familiarity with the language and culture of the country, refugees can obtain Swiss nationality and citizenship through asylum and finally receive Swiss passport.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Immigration to Switzerland Through Asylum
- How does studying in Switzerland lead to permanent residency?
In all countries, graduate students are permitted to stay after completing their studies to seek job opportunities in their field of study.
Switzerland also grants foreign students a six-month period post-graduation to find related work so they can convert their visa type to a work visa, which would then convert their residency to work residency, and ultimately to permanent residency.
- Does asylum have lower costs compared to other methods of immigration to Switzerland?
Overall, asylum is considered a very risky and dangerous method. In terms of both life risks and the risk of losing possessions, many individuals have lost their properties while migrating through asylum to Switzerland, which were often worth more than the costs of other immigration methods.
- Is asylum to Switzerland possible with a case of religious conversion?
Various cases are presented in asylum proceedings, one of which is religious cases and conversion. Individuals who have a religion or belief system different from the norms of their society can use this case for asylum.
However, having sufficient documentation, a lack of personal safety, and facing other challenges that asylum seekers encounter are also significant.
Conclusion:
This article reviewed asylum and alternative immigration paths to Switzerland. Known for security, prosperity, education, and culture, Switzerland is a top destination for immigrants. Many seek Swiss residency annually through various methods. We hope this guide helps you.
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