Switzerland scrabbles for refugee housing after funds rejected
Switzerland is struggling to house an increasing number of asylum seekers and refugees.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved
The Swiss army and 26 cantons have been asked to find extra accommodation space for 3,000 refugees after parliament refused to approve federal funds to alleviate logjams.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/mga
A special federal task force on asylum has called for the temporary beds to be made available between this September and February 2024.
More
More
Why asylum in Switzerland remains elusive for Afghan refugees
This content was published on
Despite the deteriorating human rights situation under the Taliban, the Swiss continue to resist calls to facilitate entry and protection for Afghans.
Cantons that accept at least 5% of new asylum seekers are asked to provide 200 extra spaces, while those that take in 3-5% are expected to nominate 150 spaces. Cantons that account for less than 1% of asylum seekers need to find 100 spaces.
The new accommodation will be rented by the federal migration authorities, according to the plan announced on Friday.
The army, which as so far provided 3,800 spaces for asylum seekers, will also be asked to chip in to house the thousands of refugees expected to arrive in Switzerland.
Last year Switzerland registered 24,500 asylum-seekers, a 64% increase from the previous year. This excludes some 75,000 Ukrainian refugees, who received a special protection status through an accelerated registration process.
Refugee numbers this year are forecast to most likely reach 27,000 this year but could rise to 40,000 depending on geopolitical developments.
Most Read Swiss Abroad
More
Swiss reject biodiversity and pension reform proposals
What do you think Switzerland’s Alain Berset can bring to the Council of Europe?
The former interior minister is to become the first Swiss Secretary General of the Council of Europe – which issues should his five-year term focus on?
Swiss canton wants to test collection of electronic signatures for initiatives
This content was published on
St Gallen wants to become the first Swiss canton to use electronic signatures (e-collecting) for referendums or initiatives. A government proposal for a pilot project has been put out for consultation.
Swiss government launches attempt to secure 2038 Winter Olympics
This content was published on
After failing to host the Winter Olympics in 2030 and 2034, Switzerland is trying again - this time for the 2038 Winter Games.
Study highlights Swiss cantons’ failings over adoptions from India
This content was published on
A Swiss study released on Friday has revealed that cantons Thurgau and Zurich are responsible for shortcomings linked to adoptions of children from India.
Glacier melt causes changes to Swiss-Italian border
This content was published on
Switzerland has adapted its borders with Italy and France. The changes with Italy are linked to melting glaciers, while those with France concern a tram line and rivers in the Geneva region.
Zermatt restaurateurs sentenced for defying Covid-19 measures
This content was published on
A Swiss court has given three restaurateurs in Zermatt, who were arrested in 2021 after repeatedly ignoring police orders to close their establishment, suspended sentences and fines.
Report: one in five Swiss tunnels damaged, but safe
This content was published on
According to Switzerland's Federal Roads Office (Astra), national roads are in good condition overall. Almost one in five tunnels has moderate damage but they are safe, it said on Thursday.
Swiss couple sentenced for enslaving two housekeepers
This content was published on
A 46-year-old Swiss man has received a three year sentence, including nine months in jail, for exploiting, locking up and handcuffing two housekeepers he brought to Switzerland between 2018 and 2019.
Zurich Film Festival drops screening of ‘Russians at War’ documentary
This content was published on
The organisers of the Zurich Film Festival have decided not to show the controversial documentary Russians at War due to "safety considerations",
Swiss air traffic control upgrade slows tempo for safety reasons
This content was published on
The upgrade of Switzerland’s air traffic control system will take longer than anticipated following a series of malfunctions.
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 government plans more accommodation for asylum seekers
This content was published on
The Swiss government has asked parliament to set aside CHF132.9 million ($155 million) to create additional accommodation for asylum seekers.
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.
Swiss asylum requests expected to remain high in 2023
This content was published on
The head of the State Secretariat for Migration says that the economic consequences of the Ukraine war are expected to keep asylum requests high.
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.