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.
Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?
Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?
US tariffs: Trump cites ‘big’ trade deficit with Switzerland
This content was published on
US President Donald Trump has justified the 39% tariff rate imposed on Switzerland with reference to the “big” trade deficit with the country.
Swiss president kicks off National Day celebrations on Rütli meadow
This content was published on
Several hundred people gathered on the Rütli in central Switzerland at midday on Friday to celebrate the national Swiss holiday, before Karin Keller-Sutter addressed the crowd.
US sets deadline for Novartis and other pharma firms to lower prices
This content was published on
US President Donald Trump says he has sent letters to Swiss giant Novartis and other pharma firms calling for lower drug prices in the United States – or face retaliation.
Around 25,000m3 of rockfall registered in Swiss village of Brienz
This content was published on
More rock has come loose in the eastern Swiss village of Brienz than initially assumed following rainfall last weekend, said a new situation report published on Friday.
Swiss government reacts with ‘great regret’ to new US tariffs
This content was published on
The Swiss government says it will continue to strive for a negotiated solution after the United States imposed 39% tariffs on the Alpine country.
Switzerland testing AI tools to make scarecrows more effective
This content was published on
The Swiss agricultural research centre Agroscope is testing an AI system to more effectively prevent damage to agricultural crops caused by crows and rooks.
UN in Geneva calls for reform of tariffs on plastics
This content was published on
The United Nations is calling for a reform of customs tariffs on plastics, which are lower than those imposed on alternatives, ahead of negotiations for a treaty to limit plastic pollution.
Two robots play hide-and-seek in space with Swiss help
This content was published on
Robots developed separately have worked together at the International Space Station (ISS) for the first time, helped in part by a control centre in Switzerland.
Giant Swiss flag torn by the wind at the foot of mountain
This content was published on
A giant Swiss flag tore as it was rolled out on a grassy slope at the foot of a mountain ahead of August 1 National Day celebrations.
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.