Asylum statistics from the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), show more than 12,000 people came to Switzerland in the first six months of this year. Compared to the first half of 2022, the total number of asylum applications has risen by 43%.
This content was published on
2 minutes
SRF/amva
العربية
ar
سويسرا تسجل زيادة بنسبة 43٪ في طلبات اللجوء خلال الأشهر الستة الأخيرة
In the last ten years, only in the first half of 2016 have more asylum applications been submitted. According to Reto Kormann, spokesman for the SEM, the increase of 43% is relatively high but expected. By the end of the 2023, the SEM expects a total of around 27,000 applications.
Most asylum applications this year came from people from Afghanistan, followed by Turkey. The SEM examines each application individually to see whether the reasons for asylum have been met, says Kormann.
More
More
Asylum cases increased in 2022, not counting Ukrainians
This content was published on
Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) says it received 24,511 asylum applications in 2022, without counting Ukrainians.
Justice Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider wanted container villages for asylum seekers, but the request failed in parliament when it was rejected by the Senate. However, Kormann says there is currently no emergency situation regarding accommodations for refugees. There are still around 4,000 places in reserve at the federal level.
More
More
Parliament again rejects extra funding for refugee housing
This content was published on
The Senate has for a third time rejected extra funding to build housing for the mounting number of refugees in Switzerland.
The cantons still have around five weeks to organize additional accommodations in order to prepare for a possible next wave of refugees in autumn.
More
More
Cantons seek government support to cope with wave of refugees
This content was published on
The rapid rise in the number of refugees has strained housing in some cantons, which are calling on the federal government for support.
However, in the city of Chiasso in canton Ticino which boarders Italy, the situation is coming to a boiling point.
Police commander Nicolas Poncini says his colleagues have already responded to asylum seekers 300 times this year: “The situation is explosive, we have twice as many refugees as planned.”
The situation is nowhere near as unforeseen as it is portrayed, says Samuel Wyss, another spokesperson for SEM “Now we have an extraordinary situation, not only in Ticino. That’s why we had to find new accommodation, of course in consultation with the authorities”.
The local authorities did not manage to integrate so many asylum seekers into work programs, regrets mayor of Chiasso, Bruno Arrigoni. He would also like to see more support from the canton. If the asylum seekers could work, they would have a daily structure and more money.
More
More
How the Swiss asylum system works
This content was published on
Switzerland has a long humanitarian tradition but who can apply for asylum in the country and how?
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
Swiss authorities file criminal complaint for false signatures
This content was published on
The case of allegedly forged signatures for popular initiatives in Switzerland continues: the Federal Chancellery has filed a criminal complaint for the third time.
Swiss government must prioritise transport projects
This content was published on
Following the no to motorway expansions and additional costs for future rail infrastructure, the Swiss government must set priorities for road and rail expansion.
SMI back above 12,500 points for first time since beginning of 2022
This content was published on
The leading SMI index rose by almost 1% at times in the morning and traded above 12,500 points for the first time since the beginning of 2022.
Markus Ritter enters race for seat in Swiss government
This content was published on
Markus Ritter from the Centre Party has thrown his hat into the ring to succeed Defence Minister Viola Amherd on the seven-seat Swiss government.
Lausanne hospital produces drug from faecal bacteria
This content was published on
The University Hospital of canton Vaud (Chuv) is the first Swiss hospital to receive approval for the production of such drugs from donor stool.
Increase in heat deaths set to outweigh decrease in cold deaths
This content was published on
The growing number of heat-related deaths due to climate change will significantly exceed the decline in the number of cold-related deaths in Europe, according to a study.
Every second Swiss buys from Chinese online retailers
This content was published on
Chinese online retailers are becoming increasingly popular in Switzerland. Every other person has already made such a purchase in the past year.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss parliament greenlights army support for migration office
This content was published on
The Swiss parliament says soldiers can be deployed to help support the State Secretariat for Migration cope with the influx of asylum-seekers.
Is housing asylum seekers in underground shelters inhumane?
This content was published on
The Swiss parliament rejected funding to build container accommodation. They argued that underused civil defence bunkers could do the job.
Court finds Switzerland guilty of violating refugees’ right to family life
This content was published on
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has criticised Switzerland for rejecting refugees’ applications for family reunification.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.