Bangladesh has agreed to offer more cooperation on repatriating its citizens who fail to gain asylum in Switzerland. A deal was signed between the two countries on Tuesday, making Bangladesh the 62nd country to enter into a re-admission agreement with Switzerland.
Switzerland based its demands on those of the European Union that came to a similar agreement with Bangladesh in 2017. Under the terms of the deal, Bangladesh will assist the Swiss authorities in identity checks on its nationals who must return home.
In addition, both sides have agreed to meet on a regular basis to make sure that the procedure for rejected asylum seekers is being correctly observed.
“In the wake of the migration crisis of 2015/16 in particular, numerous migrants from Bangladesh travelled irregularly to Europe via the central Mediterranean route. Cooperation with this country proved difficult for all European states with regards to expulsion of rejected asylum seekers,” the Swiss authorities statedExternal link.
The statement goes on to say that Switzerland is “one of the most efficient countries in Europe” in terms of forced repatriation of rejected migrants. With a rate of just under 60%, Switzerland has reduced the number of pending repatriations from 7,293 in the autumn of 2013 to 3,949 by the end of last year.
More
More
Fewer people seeking asylum in Switzerland
This content was published on
A total of 15,255 applications were submitted, which represents the lowest level in 11 years, Gattiker told the Blick newspaperExternal link. In 2017, SEMExternal link received 18,088 asylum applications, which was already a drop of one third from a peak in 2016. However, the fall in asylum seeker numbers is no cause for celebration, according…
Legal changes coming into force in Switzerland on February 1
This content was published on
Preventive regulation of the wolf population, rules for the import of dog puppies and higher minimum wages in the hospitality industry. On February 1, changes to laws and ordinances as well as other innovations come into force in Switzerland. Here is an overview:
International hot air balloon festival claims the skies of canton Vaud
This content was published on
After a windy first day, the International Balloon Festival in Château-d'Oex (VD) took off on Sunday. Dozens of hot-air balloons took to the skies over the Vaud Alps.
This content was published on
Switzerland is excluded by the US from the allied countries for unlimited access to chips required for artificial intelligence.
An award-winning documentary at the Solothurn Film Festival
This content was published on
Eleonora Camizzi's documentary "Bilder im Kopf" (Images in Mind) won the Prix Visioni at the Solothurn Film Festival on Saturday evening. The prize, worth 20,000 Swiss francs, is one of three major awards at the film festival.
Liberal Greens join launch of initiative on parental leave
This content was published on
The Liberal Greens (PVL) together with an alliance of representatives from economic, social and political circles are launching an initiative for an 18-week "family leave." This was decided today by delegates meeting in Thun (BE).
Palestinian solidarity demonstration draws 2,000 people in Geneva
This content was published on
About 2,200 people took to the streets in Geneva today to show solidarity with the Palestinian poopolo and to denounce Swiss policy in the Middle East. The demonstration had been called by the BDS ("boycott, désinvestissement et sanctions") organization.
The 13th edition of Art Genève takes over Palexpo from Thursday
This content was published on
The 13th edition of Art Genève takes place at Palexpo from Thursday to Sunday. A total of 81 international modern and contemporary art galleries will be exhibiting their works. Also on show: 22 institutional projects.
First day of balloon festival in Château d’Oex cancelled
This content was published on
The first day of the International Balloon Festival in Château-d'Oex (VD) has been cancelled due to wind, organizers announced on Saturday. However, entertainment and captive flights will continue.
Swiss survey finds employee productivity rises with sense of belonging
This content was published on
A good team increases productivity. 81% of employees in Switzerland perform better when they feel a sense of community with their colleagues.
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
Call to speed up deportation of Eritreans rejected
This content was published on
The Swiss parliament stops short of forcing the government to open talks with the Eritrean authorities on a repatriation accord.
Switzerland outlines ‘responsible’ approach to repatriating Eritreans
This content was published on
Two court rulings in as many years have cleared the way for Switzerland to repatriate failed asylum seekers to the African state. The verdicts dismissed claims that Eritrea is too dangerous to send anyone back or that enforced military service would necessarily result in abuse. Speaking to the Blick newspaper on Wednesday, the head of…
Defining the 25% foreign population in Switzerland
This content was published on
For the first time, Switzerland has 2 million foreigners living in its midst. But just who exactly are they? These graphics offer an explanation.
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.