Since when is the blockade on transfers to Italy in force?

The blocking of transfers of asylum seekers to Italy, based on the Dublin system, began in December 2022. Since that date, Switzerland has experienced difficulties in deferring people who had reached the Confederation via the peninsula.

What costs does Lorenzo Quadri dispute with the Federal Council?

Quadri asks for clarity on the additional costs incurred by the Confederation for housing, assistance, management of asylum procedures and the administrative staff needed to handle cases that, due to the suspension, have been converted from Dublin procedures to national asylum procedures.

Is there a refund from Italy?

It is not yet specified whether a refund will take place. Lorenzo Quadri's motion explicitly asks the Federal Council about the will to ask Italy for compensation, in whole or in part, for the extra expenses incurred by Switzerland during the period of inactivity of the transfers.

Asylum, Quadri asks the Federal Council about the costs (cross-border guide)

Di Marco Ferrari · Published on 18 August 2026

Federal Palace in Bern seat of the Federal Council

Lorenzo Quadri asks for clarity on the costs incurred by the Confederation for the blockade of Dublin transfers to Italy since December 2022.

Context

In a nutshell

Lorenzo Quadri asks for the costs of the asylum block.
The blockade of transfers to Italy dates back to December 2022.
Reimbursement request to Italy for the costs incurred.
New European Migration Pact changes the rules.

Key facts

What: Parliamentary question on asylum costs
When: From December 2022 to date
Where: Swiss Confederation
Who: National Councillor Lorenzo Quadri
Subject: Suspension of Dublin readmissions from Italy

Lorenzo Quadri, member of the Swiss National Council, formally presented a motion to the Federal Council to obtain a detailed report on the expenses that the Confederation has had to face due to the suspension of the readmissions of asylum seekers to Italy. The blockade, which began in December 2022, prevented Switzerland from transferring people to the peninsula in accordance with the Dublin system, generating a stalemate that lasted for several months. The issue becomes particularly relevant following the approval of the new European Pact on Migration, which should theoretically unblock the situation by allowing postponements again.

The Request for Transparency

The motion aims to shed light on the direct economic impact of this administrative paralysis. The national councillor explicitly asks how many asylum seekers have not been transferred during this timeframe and which have been

Operational details

Analysis of administrative impacts

The impact of the transfer freeze has created significant pressure on the Swiss reception system. When a Dublin procedure is converted into a national procedure, the costs for the Confederation increase considerably. These include, in the first place, accommodation costs for an extended period, as the stay of asylum seekers on Swiss territory extends beyond the originally envisaged deadlines. Added to this are the costs for assistance, which cover basic daily needs, and the use of human resources within the Secretariat of State for Migration (SEM) to manage files that, under normal conditions, would have been transferred to the competent State.

Comparison of procedures

The transition from a Dublin procedure to a national procedure represents a challenge for the federal budget. While the Dublin system is designed to optimise accountability between European Member States, the suspension of readmissions has upset this balance. The Federal Council is now called upon to assess not only the past cost, but also the future cost, considering the transport and accompanying costs necessary to restart transfers now that the European regulatory framework is evolving. The request by Quadri raises a fundamental point: the sustainability of the asylum system in relation to cross-border cooperation. It is essential that

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Key points

Procedure and expected actions

For citizens and residents who wish to deepen the financial impact of migration policies on the Confederation, it is possible to consult the official data published periodically by the federal authorities. Lorenzo Quadri's motion represents an act of parliamentary control that aims to force accounting transparency. It is not yet specified whether the Federal Council will accept the request for reimbursement, but the issue remains at the heart of the political debate in Bern. Anyone who wants to better understand how public funds, including those for asylum and social security, are managed can refer to the official portals of the Federal Administration.

Useful tools

The management of personal finances and the understanding of taxation in Switzerland are fundamental, especially when analyzing how tax revenue, including direct federal tax, is allocated between the various federal departments. To monitor your tax situation or assess the impact of social contributions on income, it is always advisable to use certified calculation tools. If you want to accurately calculate your tax burden or understand how changes in the cost of living affect your household budget, you can use the calcolatore stipendio available on our portal. This tool allows you to have a clear view of withholdings and taxes, helping you plan better

Source: tio.ch

Frequently Asked Questions

Since when is the blockade on transfers to Italy in force?: The blocking of transfers of asylum seekers to Italy, based on the Dublin system, began in December 2022. Since that date, Switzerland has experienced difficulties in deferring people who had reached the Confederation via the peninsula.
What costs does Lorenzo Quadri dispute with the Federal Council?: Quadri asks for clarity on the additional costs incurred by the Confederation for housing, assistance, management of asylum procedures and the administrative staff needed to handle cases that, due to the suspension, have been converted from Dublin procedures to national asylum procedures.
Is there a refund from Italy?: It is not yet specified whether a refund will take place. Lorenzo Quadri's motion explicitly asks the Federal Council about the will to ask Italy for compensation, in whole or in part, for the extra expenses incurred by Switzerland during the period of inactivity of the transfers.