The number of foreigners convicted of a crime who received expulsion orders was 1,702, according to information released by the Federal Statistical OfficeExternal link on Monday. The implementation rate is slightly higher than the figure recorded in 2017 (69%).
The majority of cases involved male offenders. Only a quarter of convictions of foreigners holding a B or C permit were accompanied by a deportation order. Those convicted of crimes that carry a longer prison sentence were more likely to be subject to removal from the country: the application rate was 94% for prison sentences of more than two years. In cases where the courts decided against an expulsion order, the reasons were not recorded.
The expulsion order rate does not include convictions for theft and fraud in social security and welfare claims, as these do not appear in sufficient detail in the criminal record, the statistics office said. In 2018 the office was criticised for its reporting of expulsion numbers and had to revise its data, which initially included all categories of convictions for fraud.
The deportation law came into effect in January 2017 and covers expulsion of foreigners resident in Switzerland who are convicted of a range of crimes, such as murder, grievous bodily harm, sexual assault and serious crime against property. Voters had approved a clause in the law that allows courts to refrain from issuing a deportation order in certain “hardship cases”.
More
More
Number of terrorism expulsions drops
This content was published on
Five people were deported for being a threat to national security in Switzerland last year, down from 13 in 2017, the Federal Office of Police says.
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Switzerland deports ‘Ethiopian’ hate preacher to Somalia
This content was published on
The deportation process was complicated by the hate preacher having no documentation and refusing to cooperate with migration officials. He was initially presumed to be Ethiopian, but was finally confirmed as Somalian, the State Secretariat for MigrationExternal link told Swiss public broadcaster SRFExternal link on Saturday. Two years’ ago, a court ordered the expulsion of…
This content was published on
Almost three-quarters of all detainees in Swiss prisons are of foreign origin, a study shows. An analysis of the factors behind the numbers.
This content was published on
Even if certain crimes are merely attempted, foreigners may be expelled from the country as a result, ruled the Swiss Federal court.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.