The Swiss parliament says up to 500 militia soldiers can be deployed until the end of March to help support the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) cope with the influx of asylum-seekers.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/sb
Español
es
El Parlamento suizo aprueba el apoyo del ejército en la cuestión de los refugiados
Switzerland is currently facing a sharp increase in asylum applications in addition to Ukrainians who have sought refuge in the Alpine country. The SEM says it received 24,511 asylum applications in 2022. That represents a 64.2% increase (9,583 additional applications) compared to the previous year. Another 27,000 new asylum applications are expected in 2023.
Last December the government proposed to engage the army to help support the SEM. On Monday, the House of Representatives followed the Senate by backing the proposal by 132 votes to 52.
A maximum of 500 soldiers can now be deployed and around 3,000 additional accommodation places made available for asylum-seekers.
Parliament had to give its approval as the army deployment exceeds three weeks. The cost of the additional support will come from the army’s ordinary budget.
The soldiers provide support for the development, management and operation of military infrastructure. They will also take care of the transport of refugees and asylum-seekers. Up to now, a maximum of 10-20 soldiers had been deployed at any one time in support, Defence Minister Viola Amherd said.
More
More
How the Swiss asylum system works
This content was published on
Switzerland has a long humanitarian tradition but who can apply for asylum in the country and how?
Living longer: What do you think about the longevity trend?
The longevity market is booming thanks in part to advances in the science of ageing. What do you think of the idea of significantly extending human lifespan?
Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?
Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?
Swiss households to move as Brienz landslide threat rises
This content was published on
Twenty-five households are planning to voluntarily leave the Swiss village of Brienz, which is threatened by a major landslide.
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.
Read more
More
Cantons seek government support to cope with wave of refugees
This content was published on
The rapid rise in the number of refugees has strained housing in some cantons, which are calling on the federal government for support.
Asylum cases increased in 2022, not counting Ukrainians
This content was published on
Switzerland's State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) says it received 24,511 asylum applications in 2022, without counting Ukrainians.
This content was published on
Ukrainian refugees are keen to work, have a good level of English and three-quarters have a tertiary education level, a Swiss survey shows.
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.