A Somali man who suffered serious injuries in Switzerland is scheduled to be deported to Mogadishu on Thursday, September 10, 2026, despite strong objections from the Swiss human rights organization Augenauf, which argues that his medical condition makes the removal inappropriate.
The man, a father of three children living in Europe, has reportedly resided in Switzerland for the past 11 years.
According to available information, he is expected to be flown from Switzerland to Mogadishu via Istanbul, arriving in the Somali capital at approximately 8:40 a.m. on Thursday.
Augenauf stated that the man sustained severe injuries about two weeks ago after being attacked by two individuals with whom he was living at an accommodation center for asylum seekers.
The injuries reportedly included a fractured skull, brain trauma, and damage to his eyes.
Following the attack, he was admitted to Zurich University Hospital, where he underwent surgery.
However, Augenauf said that two additional operations scheduled for this week were not carried out, raising concerns about both his health condition and his ability to endure a long international journey.
The man’s lawyer has requested that Swiss authorities suspend or postpone the deportation on medical grounds, arguing that he remains in need of specialized treatment.
Augenauf has also called for a review of the decision, warning that deporting him in his current condition could put his health at further risk.
Another issue highlighted by the organization concerns the temporary travel document issued for the deportation.
Augenauf said Somalia’s immigration authorities provided an emergency travel document but questioned whether the man’s medical condition had been adequately considered during the process.
The organization also claimed that the photograph on the document did not closely resemble the individual being deported.
The case comes at a time when Switzerland and Somalia are expanding cooperation on migration management and the return of Somali nationals who are not granted permission to remain in Switzerland.
According to Augenauf, Switzerland has supported Somalia’s migration institutions through equipment and training programs while simultaneously tightening policies related to the deportation of Somali migrants.
The human rights organization described the approach as a combination of pressure and incentives, urging authorities to ensure that the rights and welfare of Somali nationals being returned are fully protected.
Reports indicate that this case forms part of broader concerns surrounding the implementation of forced deportations of Somali citizens from Switzerland.
Augenauf noted that two Somalis who were previously deported had lodged complaints regarding the way they were treated during their removal process.
If the deportation proceeds as planned, the man is expected to arrive in Mogadishu while significant questions remain about his medical condition, the healthcare he will receive upon arrival, and the rationale behind carrying out the deportation before his treatment has been completed.
The case has drawn increasing attention from lawyers, rights advocates, and migrant support groups, who are continuing to pressure Swiss authorities to reconsider the decision.
The controversy also highlights the wider debate across Europe over the deportation of migrants with serious medical conditions and the responsibilities of governments to ensure adequate care before and after removal.