What happens to prisoners who are deported after serving their sentence? → This study explores the challenges and support gaps that Turkish ex-prisoners face after expulsion from Switzerland.
Can resocialization be effective if the person is forced to leave the country? → What if reintegration is expected in a society the person has not lived in for years—or never at all?
Should foreign prisoners have access to the same rehabilitation programs as Swiss nationals, even if deportation is imminent?
How can institutions ensure equal treatment while respecting migration laws?
What role do families and communities play in the reintegration of deported prisoners?
Emirhan Darcan I believe that prisoners who are deported after serving their sentences face immense challenges, particularly when they are sent back to a country they may not have known or have been disconnected from for years. In the case of Turkish ex-prisoners deported from Switzerland, many struggle with a lack of support systems, such as housing, employment, or even access to psychological care. In my view, this lack of support often undermines their ability to successfully reintegrate into society, which is a key area I aim to explore in this study.
I also believe that resocialization becomes an incredibly difficult task if the individual is forced to leave the country, especially if they are expected to reintegrate into a society they have never lived in or have been detached from for years. I cannot help but question how effective reintegration could be under such circumstances. I feel strongly that this disconnection from one's new environment creates a barrier to successful resocialization and may even lead to a higher risk of recidivism.
When it comes to whether foreign prisoners should have access to the same rehabilitation programs as Swiss nationals, I firmly believe that they should. Even if deportation is imminent, providing equal rehabilitation opportunities is not only the right thing to do but also contributes to long-term societal benefits. Everyone, regardless of nationality, deserves a chance to rehabilitate and reintegrate into society.
I think that institutions must find ways to balance the need for legal compliance with the ethical obligation to ensure fair treatment. In my opinion, while respecting migration laws is essential, rehabilitation services should still be accessible to deported prisoners, tailored to their specific needs, and aimed at facilitating a smoother reintegration into their home countries.
Lastly, I believe that families and communities play an indispensable role in the reintegration of deported prisoners. In my view, strong familial and community support provides emotional stability and essential guidance, which can make all the difference in helping someone transition back into society. Without this, I think the process of reintegration is often incomplete, leaving the individual vulnerable to isolation and failure.