Key facts
The Central Migration Information System (ZEMIS) is the register of foreign nationals in Switzerland. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) and cantonal migration authorities use it in the asylum area. With the ZEMIS renewal programme (ERZ), the SEM aims to replace outdated IT systems and cut costs. The new plan drawn up in 2024 puts the costs at CHF 193 million, CHF 127 million more than originally envisaged. Conditions have deteriorated since then: project costs have risen and, in addition, the Federal Council cut the funding for ERZ in 2027–2028 by CHF 17.9 million as part of the 2027 relief package. Further cuts are planned for 2029–2030.
The Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO) examined in particular the impact of the changed conditions on the ERZ programme. It concludes that they jeopardise the replacement of the legacy ZEMIS systems and thus the SEM’s ability to operate. The existing plan must therefore be adjusted, and any additional credits needed must be examined.
30,000
users of ZEMIS across Switzerland
CHF 193m
cost of ERZ according to the 2024 re-estimate
2032
completion of ERZ by this date is no longer achievable
CHF 25m
for each additional year of delay
Main conclusions
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Additional work is eating into reserves
The individual projects underestimated work and costs in the rough planning stage. The financial reserves are already heavily used, limiting room for manoeuvre.
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Ability to operate at risk without additional resources
By 2028, the SEM must implement the requirements of the EU packages (Bilaterals III). It urgently needs to secure the staff resources required for the programme.
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Lack of specialist staff to support the programme
The SEM will probably have to compensate for this resource shortage with external staff. This exceeds the commitment appropriation.
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Delays due to budget cuts
The cuts for 2027 and 2028 do not yet jeopardise the approved programme plan. However, the cuts for 2029 and 2030 do jeopardise completion of the programme on schedule.
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High follow-on costs in the event of delays
Parallel operation causes additional costs of up to CHF 5 million per year. To avoid losing the operating licence, expensive software updates to the legacy ZEMIS systems will be necessary.
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Additional operating costs due to cuts in the development framework
Centralised cuts cause additional work for the core organisation without taking it into account.