Strategy for processing asylum requests: Fast-tracking of unjustified applications

The strategy of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) for processing asylum requests specifies which applications are to be fast-tracked. Besides taking into account legal deadlines, it also considers:

  • the situation in the country of origin
  • the credibility of the asylum request
  • the asylum seeker’s conduct

Applications that can be processed under the Dublin System or under an accelerated procedure are given priority treatment. Applications requiring additional and time-consuming clarification are processed under an enhanced procedure.

Countries with low recognition rates

In both the accelerated and the enhanced asylum procedure, applications from nationals of countries with a low rate of recognition are given priority treatment, i.e. they are processed first. Nationals of countries from the following categories have a low rate of recognition:

  • EU/EFTA states
  • countries with visa-free travel in the Schengen area
  • safe countries
  • other selected countries with a high number of asylum applications but a low rate of recognition

Prioritising applications is important especially when there are not sufficient resources to process all applications within the given time frame. Applications from nationals of countries with a high recognition rate therefore tend to be deferred.

Diagram of priorities in processing asylum applications

Diagram of priorities in processing asylum applications

Last modification 17.07.2019

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