Swiss-German contract on "illegals"
01 January 1994
On 23 December 1993 Switzerland and Germany signed a contract to allow the return of asylum seekers between the two countries. If it can be shown, within one year, that an asylum seeker or illegal immigrant stayed in Germany or Switzerland before going to the other country then they can be returned to the first country. The new contract replaces a previous one signed in 1954 and reflects the provisions of the Dublin Convention (this allows asylum seekers to apply to only one EU state for permission to stay) - which Switzerland cannot sign as it is not a member of the EU or the European Economic Area.
The contract also provides for deportees to be sent by rail between Switzerland and Germany if no air links are available back to their country of origin.
Komittee Schluss mit dem Schnuffelstaat, Bern, Switzerland.