In 2023, foreign nationals accounted for 67% of Switzerland’s prison population of 9,297, according to the Swiss Federal Statistical Office. The figure underscores ongoing challenges related to immigration and crime in the country.
The proportion of foreign prisoners has tripled since the 1980s, although it has remained stable over the past decade. Men dominate the prison population, making up 90.6% of inmates, while women account for only 9.4%.
Most inmates are imprisoned for minor offenses, such as petty theft, with sentences ranging from five to 90 days. Failure to pay fines is another reason for incarceration, adding to the growing number of prisoners.
Although the detailed composition of foreign prisoners in 2023 is not available, 2020 data showed that Algerians and Romanians were the largest groups among foreign inmates. Non-EU nationals constitute a significant portion of the prison population.
The situation reflects broader trends seen across Europe. In Germany, foreigners make up over 50% of the prison population, resulting in significant financial costs for taxpayers. Similar concerns about immigration and its impact on public safety are driving policy debates in both countries.
Switzerland’s high rate of foreign prisoners highlights the challenges of balancing immigration with public safety. As incarceration rates rise, policymakers face growing pressure to address these issues with effective reforms.
