In 2023, 67% of Switzerland’s prison population of 9,297 consisted of foreign nationals, according to the Swiss Federal Statistical Office. This figure reflects a longstanding trend that highlights challenges associated with immigration and crime in the country.
Since the 1980s, the number of foreign prisoners in Switzerland has tripled. While the percentage has remained stable over the last decade, the total number of inmates has increased significantly. Men account for 90.6% of the prison population, while women represent only 9.4%.
Most prisoners are incarcerated for minor offenses, including petty theft, with some serving short sentences of five to 90 days. In certain cases, failure to pay fines results in imprisonment, contributing to the overall prison population.
Although a detailed breakdown of the foreign inmate population for 2023 is unavailable, past data provides insights. In 2020, Algerians and Romanians were among the largest groups of foreign prisoners. Many of the incarcerated individuals are non-EU nationals, although Switzerland also has a significant population of European residents.
Similar issues are seen in neighboring Germany, where over half the prison population is composed of foreigners. These inmates impose significant financial burdens, costing German taxpayers nearly €2 billion annually.
Switzerland’s justice system faces mounting pressure as it deals with the complexities of immigration and crime. The high percentage of foreign prisoners underscores the need for more effective policies addressing integration, border control, and public safety.
