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.
In Switzerland more people are being referred to electrical therapies or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Are there similar approaches where you live?
Swiss parliament rejects national microchipping scheme for cats
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Switzerland should not introduce a nationwide mandatory microchip scheme for cats. On Tuesday, the House of Representatives rejected such an idea by 108 votes to 80.
Sharp rise in reported cyber incidents in Switzerland
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The number of reported cyber incidents and online threats in Switzerland rose sharply last year, according to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
Swiss National Bank ‘ready to consider’ negative interest rates
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The Swiss National Bank (SNB) is prepared to lower its key interest rate even further in the face of economic uncertainty, Chair Martin Schlegel said on Tuesday.
Toxic chemicals from car tyres found in fruit and vegetables in Switzerland
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Tyre additives are transferred into the food chain, according to a new study in Switzerland. Further research is needed to establish the dangers for human health.
Swiss pensioner in court for feeding neighbour’s cat
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A 68-year-old Swiss woman is in court in Zurich on Tuesday, accused of systematically feeding her neighbour's cat "Leo" - a criminal offence in Switzerland - so that the cat no longer wanted to go home.
SWISS flights to Tel Aviv remain suspended until May 11
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Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has cancelled all flights to and from the Israeli city of Tel Aviv until May 11 after a missile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels landed near the airport.
Ministers discuss Swiss-EU deal with Italy and Hungary
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Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis held talks on Monday with their respective counterparts from Italy and Hungary.
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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