Switzerland has deported two Afghan nationals to Afghanistan, marking the first such deportations since 2019, according to Swiss media reports on Sunday.
The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) informed local authorities of the deportation on Friday, which was first reported by the Swiss German weekly SonntagsBlick.
The Swiss government described the individuals as “serious offenders” who posed a threat to national security. Both received CHF 500 (approximately $583) in cash from Swiss authorities before their departure. SEM Deputy Director Vincenzo Mascioli indicated that deportations of other individuals in similar cases would proceed “as quickly as possible.”
This move aligns with broader efforts across the European Union to deport Afghan nationals considered “offenders.” Germany initiated the recent wave by announcing plans to deport 28 Afghans to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Human rights organizations have expressed concern over these deportations, warning that returnees face significant risks amid worsening human rights conditions under Taliban rule.
