Switzerland to Analyze Phones of Asylum Seekers Starting April

Beginning on April 1, Switzerland will launch a pilot program allowing authorities to examine the electronic devices of asylum seekers to verify their identity and origins. This initiative stems from a parliamentary decision aimed at determining the nationality and travel routes of applicants, particularly in cases where no official documents are presented.

The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) has clarified that device searches will only be conducted with the consent of the individuals involved, ensuring that each case is assessed for proportionality. However, human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have raised serious concerns regarding potential invasions of privacy and the implications for asylum seekers who may refuse to disclose their information.

The initial phase of the project is expected to run until the end of 2025, with an estimated budget of around 1.2 million Swiss francs (approximately 1.23 million euros). It is anticipated that between six to nine full-time positions will be created within the SEM office in Wabern, near Bern. An evaluation of the program is planned after three years to decide on its future continuation.

Despite facing criticism, Switzerland is proceeding with this data analysis initiative. A previous pilot conducted by the SEM from November 2017 to May 2018 revealed that useful information regarding identity or travel routes was uncovered in 15% of cases. In certain instances, information was shared with security agencies when suspicions of human trafficking or other crimes arose.

According to preliminary assessments by the SEM, Switzerland received a total of 27,740 asylum applications in 2024, reflecting an 8% decline from the previous year. This decrease is attributed to a lower influx of asylum seekers from countries such as Turkey, Afghanistan, and Syria, as well as a notable reduction in arrivals in southern Italy.

For 2025, the SEM anticipates a continued decline in asylum applications, building on the downward trend observed in 2024. The majority of asylum seekers in 2024 originated from Afghanistan, Turkey, and Algeria. Switzerland, as part of the Schengen area, collaborates with the European Union on various migration issues to address shared challenges.