Justice minister wants to boost migration staff
Justice Minister Simonetta Sommaruga plans to create 40 positions within the Federal Migration Office to handle the increase in asylum claims from North Africa.
Confirming media reports, an office spokesman said the increase in staff was designed to reduce pressure on cantonal authorities.
The new staff would be charged with rapidly examining the growing number of asylum claims from North Africa.
The decision coincides with moves by Switzerland to strengthen its diplomatic ties with Italy and Tunisia, both key countries in relation to refugee movements.
Migration Office director Alard du Bois-Reymond will visit Rome on Tuesday to offer Bern’s assistance in trans-alpine migration matters. He is then scheduled to visit Tunis on April 18.
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