Dublin transfer

Because Switzerland participates in the Dublin system, it may request another participating state to take charge of or take back an asylum seeker where that state is responsible under the agreed criteria. A Dublin transfer is not a decision on refugee status; it allocates responsibility for examining the application. Before transfer, Swiss authorities must consider deadlines, family unity, the applicant’s health, systemic deficiencies, and risks of inhuman treatment or refoulement. If transfer cannot lawfully or practically occur, Switzerland may become responsible for the asylum procedure.