World Immigration News

(Social Market Foundation)Swiss role model? What the UK can learn from how Switzerland rebuilt public trust in its asylum system

Release Date: 2026-03-30
Media: Social Market Foundation
Summary: The UK is facing declining public confidence in its asylum system, prompting analysis of Switzerland’s reforms as a potential model.

The Swiss system is characterized by three key features. First, it is faster: cases are quickly triaged into accelerated or extended procedures, with asylum seekers housed in federal centers that centralize services and streamline processing. Second, it is fairer: legal advice is provided early and funded by the state, reducing delays and appeals, while successful applicants are distributed across cantons and supported in integration through language and employment programs. Third, it is firmer: appeals are limited to a single process with low success rates, and returns are actively enforced through the EU Dublin system, voluntary and forced returns, and international partnerships.

Overall, Switzerland achieves a balance of speed, fairness, and strict enforcement in its asylum system.
Tags: United Kingdom

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