On Saturday, an SEM spokesperson confirmed the figures published by Schweiz am Wochenende. The refugees concerned had visited their country of origin despite claiming they were at risk there. Vietnamese nationals (71 individuals) accounted for the largest group of withdrawals, followed by Iraqis (60) and citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina (30).
The increase by 86 cases was attributed to the creation of the “return home” task force in 2015, as well as better collaboration with cantonal migration officials. More efficient analysis of passenger data by customs also helped to effectively identify refugees returning from visits to their country of origin.
Burden of proof
At the beginning of March, the Federal Council had proposed to strengthen the application of the ban on refugees travelling to their country of origin. The rule that already exists will be enshrined in law and the burden of proof will be reversed.
The law will assume that refugees who visit their country of origin have voluntarily placed themselves under the protection of that country. Such persons will have to prove that this is not the case when the procedure to withdraw their refugee status is initiated. Parliament has yet to approve the law.
Swiss ski rescuers attended 14,000 accidents last winter
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Last season, piste rescue services treated 14,000 people in Swiss ski resorts. Some 80% of accidents occurred while skiing.
Swiss rail to run solely on renewable electricity from 2025
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From 2025, Swiss Federal Railway trains will run exclusively on electricity from renewable sources, mainly generated by hydropower.
Weak European growth dampens Swiss economic expectations
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The flagging French and German economies, plus a strong franc, have depressed expectations for Swiss economic growth both this year and in 2025.
Stalking to become separate Swiss criminal offence
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Stalking or harassment will become enshrined in the Swiss penal code as a specific offence, after parliament approved the measure.
Electricity bills slashed to bailout struggling Swiss steelworks
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Swiss lawmakers have agreed to slash electricity bills at four struggling steel and aluminum plants in a rare bailout of a strategically important industry.
Swiss drugmaker Sandoz settles US anti-trust charges
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Swiss generic drugs manufacturer Sandoz agrees to pay more than $500 million to settle legacy United States anti-trust legal issues.
Registration opens for Eurovision Song Contest 2025 tickets
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Registration for tickets to watch the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, which will be held in the Swiss city of Basel in May 12-17, opened on Monday.
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Switzerland could send back 3,200 rejected Eritrean asylum seekers
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Thousands of asylum seekers sent back to Switzerland
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