Forcible returns

People who are in Switzerland illegally must leave the country. If they refuse to return home voluntarily, they may be made to do so under police escort. 

The cantons are responsible for carrying out forcible returns.

Depending on the circumstances of the case and the behaviour of the person concerned, various enforcement levels are assigned.

The vast majority of persons ordered to leave Switzerland do so at Enforcement Level 1 (police escort to the aircraft, return flight unaccompanied). At enforcement levels 2 and 3, the person concerned is accompanied by police officers on a scheduled flight to the destination country. If repatriation on a scheduled flight is not possible, SEM can organise a special flight at the request of the cantons (Enforcement Level 4).

Last modification 26.04.2021

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