Switzerland: The lowest number of asylum applications since 2010

Even in the second quarter of this year, the decline in asylum seekers has continued in Switzerland. While between January and late June (six months) there have been a total of 9123 asylum seekers, which is the lowest figure registered since 2010.

During the second quarter, (April-June) 4392 asylum requests have been made, the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) in a communique published today. This figure is 26 percent smaller than in the same quarter of last year.

And during June of this year, the number of asylum seekers has dropped close to one third compared to June 2016, or total, 1634 asylum applications have been recorded.

Although the number is expected for the rest of the year to increase, Switzerland continues to be considered a place of non-responding in the preferences of asylum seekers.

Given the large landing marked in the first half of the year, SEM has corrected the prognosis made in January of this year for the entire 2017. The lowest scenario, with 19,500 asylum applications, is now considered as likely as the one with 24,500, which so far was considered the most likely. Of course, it remains uncertain how the situation will develop in conflict zones and migration routes. Thus, the SEM continues to have the 24,500 asylum seekers' scenario as the basis for its plans.

The SEM during June has resolved 2205 asylum requirements in the first degree. 618 have gained asylum, 667 have taken a temporary stand (F). 476 cases, based on the Dublin deal, SEM has not handled them at all.