Swiss Justice Minister says new controls haven’t changed anything at the border, but warns Berlin about legal overreach.
Bern — Switzerland has seen no change at its northern border following Germany’s decision to tighten border controls last week, Justice Minister Beat Jans confirmed on Saturday. Speaking with Swiss public radio SRF, Jans said no asylum seekers, for whom Germany would be responsible, have been returned to Switzerland due to the new rules.
“There have been no returns of asylum seekers to Switzerland,” Jans said during the interview.
His remarks were supported by the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS), which reported no measurable differences at the Swiss-German border since the policy shift. “Traffic remains stable,” a spokesperson for FOCBS said. “We have not observed any increase in returns or border tension.”
Germany’s Border Clampdown Triggers Regional Unease
Last week, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced new controls at all national borders. Under the new rules, German authorities can turn away asylum seekers—except for pregnant women, children, or vulnerable individuals—before they enter the country.
This change has caused unease across neighboring states. Switzerland, in particular, has expressed serious concern. On May 8, the Swiss Department of Justice stated that Germany’s move may breach international and European law.
“That was an announcement we didn’t like at all,” Jans said Saturday, taking a firm stance. He accused Berlin of disregarding the Geneva Convention and the Dublin Regulation, which outline responsibilities for asylum seekers within Europe.
Calls for Dialogue, Not Confrontation
Despite the friction, Switzerland is choosing diplomacy over confrontation. Jans revealed that he had already spoken with Dobrindt by phone and plans to travel to Berlin later this month for further talks.
His main goal is to promote a shared European approach to irregular migration. “Europe must face illegal migration together,” he said. “Only cooperation, not unilateral action, will work.”
While Jans did not outline concrete retaliatory steps, he hinted that Switzerland could exert pressure if needed. “Our levers of influence are greater than you might think,” he said.
Concerns Over Legal and Ethical Standards
Under international law, including the Geneva Convention, pushbacks without assessing asylum claims are considered illegal. Switzerland argues that turning people away at the border without review violates these norms.
Jans reaffirmed the country’s commitment to international agreements. “Even if migration pressures are high, laws don’t vanish,” he said.
Human rights groups across Europe have echoed these concerns, warning that Germany’s policy may create a dangerous precedent. Critics say it risks undermining the foundations of the EU’s asylum framework.
No Immediate Fallout, But Watchful Eyes Ahead
For now, Switzerland has not experienced a spike in arrivals or tensions at border crossings. But authorities remain cautious.
“The current calm doesn’t guarantee long-term stability,” a federal official said. “We’re watching the situation closely.”
As Jans prepares for high-level talks in Berlin, Switzerland is walking a careful line—seeking regional solutions while defending its legal and humanitarian principles.
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