Most of those without valid papers were stopped in southern Switzerland: 4,832 in canton Ticino and 3,122 in canton Valais.
Regarding nationality, 2,433 people were from Nigeria, 1,176 from Gambia, 803 from Algeria, 792 from Morocco, 685 from Albania and 663 from Eritrea.
The previous year’s list was headed by people from Guinea, Nigeria and Gambia. In 2016, some 12,294 people had travelled from Eritrea alone.
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‘Don’t come to Switzerland’ – the anti-tourism campaign
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A Swiss-funded television series set in Nigeria paints a very different picture of Switzerland from the usual tourism campaigns.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
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St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
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The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
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The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
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In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
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As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
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After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
Swiss study: insects mainly migrate at midday and dusk
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A study led by the Swiss Ornithological Institute in canton Lucerne is helping to better understand the movement patterns of migratory insects.
Red Cross: 22 staff killed in Middle East since October
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The Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Gaza and Israel has lost 22 staff members since last October, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) said on Wednesday.
Activists found guilty of helping migrants enter France illegally
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A French court has found seven activists, including two Swiss nationals, guilty of helping migrants enter France illegally from Italy last spring.
Zurich wants ID cards for all – even illegal immigrants
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On Wednesday, the city’s legislative body adopted a motion calling for all residents of the city, including undocumented migrants, to be able to obtain and use an identity card. The city council, which had opposed the idea, now has two years to draft a bill to this effect. The proposal by left-wing, environmental and alternative…
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