When will the transfers of asylum seekers to Italy resume?

The first individual transfers by plane are scheduled to start at the end of August, as confirmed by the spokeswoman of the Secretariat of State for Migration Magdalena Baker, after the first flight reservations were officially made.

Which people will be readmitted from Italy under the new agreement?

For the moment, Rome intends to readmit only people who entered after the entry into force of the new package of European agreements on migration, which took place on June 12, 2026, although the SEM also analyzes any exceptions.

How many people are involved in this situation?

Since the end of 2022, Italy should have readmitted a total number of 3'784 asylum seekers from Switzerland. Of these, a maximum of 652 people (17%) could be transferred under the current criteria.

Asylum in Switzerland: transfer to Italy resumed (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 18 August 2026

The Federal Palace in Bern seat of the Swiss government

After almost four years of blockade, Switzerland is once again transferring Italian asylum seekers to Italy thanks to the new European pact.

Context

In a nutshell

End of the four-year stop on transfers to Italy
First single flights planned since the end of August by SEM
Rome welcomes for now only those who entered after June 12, 2026
A total of 3,784 asylum seekers involved in the blockade

Key facts

What: Restart of transfers of asylum seekers to Italy
When: Since the end of August with reservations already started
Where: Swiss Confederation and Italy
Who: Secretariat of State for Migration and the Italian Government
Amount: 3'784 total asylum seekers waiting since 2022

The State Secretariat for Migration has confirmed that Switzerland will once again transfer asylum seekers who arrived in the Confederation through the Italian peninsula to Italy. This decision comes after a period of blockade lasting about four years, during which the government led by Giorgia Meloni had refused the return of people under Italian jurisdiction according to the Dublin rules. The breakthrough was made possible thanks to the new European Pact on Migration, which unlocked cooperation mechanisms between the various Member States.

# Flight reservations and first departures

The spokeswoman for the State Secretariat for Migration, Magdalena Baker, confirmed to SRF News that the first flight bookings had been made. The first individual transfers by plane are scheduled to start at the end of August. The situation had remained

Operational details

The new European rules and the position of Rome

The new package of European migration agreements has changed the transfer scenario. At the moment, the orientation manifested by Rome provides for the readmission only of persons who entered after the entry into force of the new regulatory package, set at 12 June 2026. This time limitation excludes in principle, for the moment, the previous cases, although in recent days a similar transfer attempted by Germany to Italy has failed due to the rigid position adopted by the competent Italian authorities.

Analysis of the numbers and percentages involved

Official statistics compiled by the State Secretariat for Migration outline a complex framework for handling pending applications. Since the end of 2022, Italy should have readmitted a total of 3'784 asylum seekers present on Swiss territory. However, during these years of waiting and bureaucratic stalemate, almost half of these people have in the meantime obtained a form of official protection directly in Switzerland, acquiring the right to remain in the Confederation. For more than 1,300 people, the administrative procedure is still in progress at the competent offices.

Future operational scenarios

Considering the total number of 3,784 files accumulated since 2022, the percentage of people immediately transferable to Italy stands at a maximum of 17%, equal to

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

Operating Procedures and Recent Case Management

The resumption of transfer flights requires careful logistical and administrative planning by the Secretary of State for Migration. Because new processes must be rigorously tested on current cases, federal offices are proceeding with caution in organizing individual removals. The agreement reached at European level makes it possible to unblock a stalemate that has lasted for years, offering new management tools for the Cantons and for the federal authorities involved in the implementation of the Dublin agreements.

Monitoring deadlines and dossiers

The federal offices continue to examine the individual files to distinguish those who fall within the criteria of the new legislation from those who have already started or successfully completed the protection process in Swiss territory. To check the status of administrative procedures and check for updates to federal practice management regulations, you can refer to the institutional tools available online.

For detailed information on the procedures and to calculate the economic and administrative impact of the new federal provisions, please consult the official calculator.

Source: tio.ch

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the transfers of asylum seekers to Italy resume?: The first individual transfers by plane are scheduled to start at the end of August, as confirmed by the spokeswoman of the Secretariat of State for Migration Magdalena Baker, after the first flight reservations were officially made.
Which people will be readmitted from Italy under the new agreement?: For the moment, Rome intends to readmit only people who entered after the entry into force of the new package of European agreements on migration, which took place on June 12, 2026, although the SEM also analyzes any exceptions.
How many people are involved in this situation?: Since the end of 2022, Italy should have readmitted a total number of 3'784 asylum seekers from Switzerland. Of these, a maximum of 652 people (17%) could be transferred under the current criteria.