Asylum

Politics

Parliament Backs Tougher Immigration Rules on Criminal Records and Deportations

The Swiss parliament is moving to tighten immigration and asylum policies on two fronts. Following the Senate, the House of Representatives has adopted a motion to require criminal record checks for all foreign nationals applying for a residence permit. In a separate move, the Senate is also pushing for the establishment of repatriation centres for rejected asylum seekers outside of Europe, aligning with a recent EU policy shift.

The Local Switzerland · +3 more

Migration

Swiss Migration Office to Cut Over 100 Jobs Amidst Plummeting Asylum Applications

Switzerland's State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) is eliminating 108 positions in response to a sharp decrease in asylum applications. The job cuts are attributed to the completion of backlog reduction efforts and broader federal cost-saving measures.

The Local Switzerland · +1 more

Politics

Cantons Reject Plan to Convert Asylum Status to Work Permits

A coalition of Swiss cantons has formally objected to federal plans that would allow asylum seekers to convert their temporary 'S' protection status into B residence permits, citing significant financial burdens and a contradiction of the status's temporary nature.

SWI swissinfo.ch

Politics

In a significant policy shift, the Swiss parliament has approved a motion to tighten the country's asylum strategy. The new measures aim to reduce application numbers, accelerate procedures, and place new restrictions on family reunification for asylum seekers.

SWI swissinfo.ch

Immigration

Official figures from the State Secretariat for Migration show a drop in both net immigration and new asylum applications for 2025. The data indicates more foreign nationals left the country and fewer arrived compared to the previous year.

The Local Switzerland · +2 more

Foreign Policy

In response to the 'brutal' repression of protests in Iran, Switzerland has halted the expulsion of Iranian citizens, including rejected asylum-seekers. The move coincides with a call from the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council for an urgent investigation into the crackdown.

SWI swissinfo.ch · +1 more