Zürich (Kaab TV) – Switzerland plans to deport several Somali citizens to Mogadishu on a secret special flight. The role of the Somali authorities in this endeavour is unclear.
The Swiss Migration Authority (SEM) is planning special flights to Somalia to deport Somali migrants against their will. This is evidenced by the migration files of Somali migrants available to the Swiss human rights organisation Augenauf. The first special flight is to take place as soon as possible.
The SEM does not have official approval from the Somali authorities for the planned deportation flights. The Swiss migration authorities, with the support of the police, only want to reach an agreement with the Somali border authorities at Mogadishu airport. For years, the Somali authorities have prevented such deportation flights, but now their relationship with Switzerland seems to have changed.
The migrants concerned do not have the Somali travel documents required for a flight. For this reason, the Federal Department of Justice and Police, FDJP (EJPD), has itself issued so-called laissez-passer (replacement travel documents) for the Somali migrants.
Augenauf has found such a document in the files of one migrant.
The Swiss authorities’ decision to issue identity documents themselves is a previously unknown and shocking practice. The renowned Swiss newspaper ‘WOZ – die Wochenzeitung’ also reports on the scandal in a lengthy article today.
The Swiss migration authorities’ plans are disturbing and violate human rights. The secret deportation flights are carried out with enormous force. Before the flight, the migrants are placed in administrative detention for up to 18 months. When the flight is imminent, the victims are taken from their cells by a heavily armed police squad and isolated in special cells at the airport. If they protest, they are completely shackled by their hands and feet so that they can no longer move. The police sometimes forcibly put a helmet on the victims so that they cannot hit their heads. On the plane, the individuals concerned remain completely shackled and are accompanied by at least three police officers per person.
Augenauf is aware of at least one attempt by the Swiss migration authorities in July 2025 to deport a Somali migrant to Mogadishu on a scheduled flight, using force and accompanied by several police officers. The pilot of the scheduled flight refused to transport the man.
The Swiss authorities justify the enormous effort and cost of such secret deportation flights by claiming that the Somali migrants in question are dangerous and notorious violent criminals and rapists. This is propaganda. Most of the people Switzerland wants to deport are not particularly dangerous.
Somali delegation in Switzerland
In July 2025, Switzerland received a delegation from the ICA (Immigration and Citizenship Agency) from Somalia. Somalia and Switzerland signed an agreement on closer cooperation on migration.
Switzerland also supports the Somali authorities with passport control equipment and a training programme for Somali border authority staff. The value of the equipment provided and the training programme is not known, but it is likely intended to improve the Somali authorities’ approval of deportation flights.
The migrants’ files contain evidence that the Swiss authorities attempted to obtain permission for one or more special flights for forced deportations to Somalia during these meetings.
Augenauf calls on all the authorities involved in Somalia and Switzerland to refrain from using force against migrants and to respect their human rights.
About Augenauf
The Swiss human rights organisation Augenauf was founded in 1995. Its work focuses on investigating and documenting human rights violations committed by Swiss authorities. Where possible, victims of human rights violations receive legal support.