In 2023, foreign nationals comprised 67% of Switzerland’s prison population of 9,297, according to the Swiss Federal Statistical Office. The high proportion of foreign inmates has raised concerns about the strain on the justice system and the impact of immigration policies.
The number of foreign prisoners has tripled since the 1980s, although the percentage has remained stable over the past decade. Men account for the overwhelming majority of inmates at 90.6%, while women represent just 9.4%.
Many prisoners are incarcerated for minor crimes, including petty theft, with sentences ranging from five to 90 days. In some cases, individuals unable to pay fines are jailed, further contributing to the prison population.
Data from 2020 provides some insight into the foreign prison population. Algerians and Romanians were the largest groups among foreign inmates, with non-EU nationals making up a significant portion.
This issue is not unique to Switzerland. In Germany, foreigners constitute more than half the prison population, imposing significant financial costs on taxpayers. These statistics are driving debates about immigration and its effects on justice systems across Europe.
The high rate of foreign prisoners in Switzerland highlights the challenges of balancing immigration and public safety, as policymakers face mounting pressure to address the growing strain on national resources.
