Up to 2,000 Ukrainians could seek refuge in Switzerland
People fleeing Ukraine arrive in Slovakia through the Ubla border crossing on Friday. Slovakia said it would let fleeing Ukrainians into the country following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Keystone / Martin Divisek
While the crisis in Ukraine has not yet led to any migration to Switzerland, depending on the duration and intensity of the war, a few hundred or up to 2,000 people could seek refuge in Switzerland, according to current government estimates.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/Reuters/ts
Español
es
Hasta 2 000 ucranianos podrían buscar refugio en Suiza
In the short and medium term, migrants from Ukraine are likely to go mainly to the EU states of Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania, with which Ukraine shares borders, the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) said on Saturday.
It said the states most likely to be affected are those in which many Ukrainians already live. The Ukrainian diaspora in Switzerland is relatively small compared with that in other European countries, with around 7,000 people, according to the SEM.
However, due to the unclear and rapidly changing situation in Ukraine, the SEM said it was not possible to make a final assessment – the situation is being analysed on an ongoing basis.
Deadly onslaught
The UN refugee agency said on Saturday that nearly 120,000 people had so far fled Ukraine into neighboring countries in the wake of Russian invasion.
The number was going up fast as Ukrainians grabbed their belongings and rushed to escape from a deadly Russian onslaught on their nation, including an attempt to take the capital.
The agency expects up to four million Ukrainians could flee if the situation deteriorates further.
On Sunday an extraordinary meeting of EU interior and justice ministers on the situation in Ukraine will take place in Brussels. Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter will take part.
More
More
Switzerland faces pressure to toughen sanctions on Russia
This content was published on
As Russia launches an offensive in Ukraine, Switzerland says a hard line on sanctions would damage its reputation for diplomatic neutrality.
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?
How is your country dealing with the return of stolen artifacts?
Western nations like Switzerland often have to deal with the process of recovering or returning looted artifacts which have been illegally imported. What’s the situation like in your country?
Majority of young Swiss well-trained, army fitness test reveals
This content was published on
More than half of young Swiss men and women are considered well-trained, with around 80% meeting the federal government's exercise recommendations, according to the Armed Forces 2023 fitness test.
Italian consulate to relocate to ‘Casa d’Italia’ in Zurich
This content was published on
The Italian state is renovating the "Casa d'Italia" in Zurich's Kreis 4 district, with plans to move the Consulate General from its current location on Tödistrasse in District 2 to this historic building.
Swiss companies maintain financial stability amid European struggles
This content was published on
Swiss companies continue to demonstrate financial robustness compared to their European counterparts, although corporate restructuring activities have increased in recent months.
This content was published on
Unknown assailants detonated an ATM in canton Vaud early Sunday morning, causing extensive damage to the building. The perpetrators fled the scene and remain at large.
Kudelski Group to sell Skidata division to Assa Abloy
This content was published on
The Kudelski Group is selling its Skidata division to the Swedish manufacturer of locking and security systems Assa Abloy.
Tragic weekend in Swiss waters: three bodies recovered
This content was published on
Swiss authorities recovered three bodies from local waters over the weekend, with one incident occurring in Zurich and two in Zug.
Lake Parade in Geneva attracts over 100,000 people
This content was published on
The 22nd Lake Parade and the Lake Sensation in Geneva attracted over 100,000 people in summery weather on Saturday. There were no major incidents at either event.
Graubünden storm causes significant economic damage, prompting support measures
This content was published on
The recent storm in Misox, in canton Graubünden, has resulted in severe economic damage, affecting SMEs, tourism, and agricultural land.
Ukraine: What Swiss sanctions-busters need to consider
This content was published on
The Swiss attitude is similar to the one it took during the Second World War, the Cold War and Apartheid, writes lawyer Mark Pieth.
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.