The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) shared its projection via Twitter on Wednesday. However, this forecast is still uncertain as many factors are in play.
There are currently slightly more than 60,000 refugees in Switzerland, according to the SEM. The number could double in the coming months.
Swiss Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter said on Tuesday that there is still uncertainty around the special “S” protection status refugees from Ukraine are currently entitled to. It allows them to live in work in Switzerland for a period of one year. The Federal Council will have to decide whether to extend it for a further six months from March 2023, or to repeal it.
Keller-Sutter said the status applies to the entire Schengen area and Switzerland cannot go it alone on this issue. The EU will make its own decision.
On Wednesday, Swiss President Ignazio Cassis expressed solidarity with Ukrainians on their independence day. Ukraine celebrates its independence from the USSR in 1991 on August 24.
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My warmest wishes to #UkraineExternal link on its #IndependenceDayExternal link On this occasion, we reaffirm our full solidarity with Ukrainians who demonstrate extraordinary resistance and great courage to preserve their independence. May the future bring #peaceExternal link and prosperity.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
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Fewer people in Switzerland have a religious affiliation and the proportion who practice their religion regularly is steadily declining, a survey finds. But religion or spirituality continues to play an important role during difficult times.
Study: trees have major cooling effect even in extreme heat
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Plane trees in cities have an important cooling effect even in extreme heat, according to a new study by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL).
EPFL launches digitised version of Battle of Murten panorama
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To mark the anniversary of the Battle of Murten on 22 June 1476, the Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) has launched a website that offers the public an immersive experience of the huge panorama painting of the historic battle.
77th Swiss Gymnastics Festival praised for ‘positive energy’
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The 77th Federal Gymnastics Festival drew to a close on Sunday in Lausanne, after eleven days of popular celebration and sporting performances.
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Emergency crews contained the oil and began removing some of the pollution from the water’s surface, said the St Gallen cantonal police on Sunday.
Switzerland lifts sanctions on Syria after Assad’s fall
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Switzerland is lifting economic sanctions on Syria, but targeted measures against figures linked to the former regime remain in place.
Thousands march in Bern calling for Gaza ceasefire
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More than 10,000 people – or up to 20,000, according to organisers – marched through central Bern on Saturday afternoon in support for Gaza.
Zurich Pride draws large crowds amid financial strain
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Following US President Donald Trump’s attacks on diversity initiatives, Zurich Pride fears more sponsors could pull out and is now facing financial difficulties.
Switzerland ‘deeply alarmed’ by Middle East escalation
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Switzerland has voiced serious concern over rising tensions in the Middle East, and the UN chief says he is ‘alarmed’ by US strikes on Iran.
Russia rejects protecting power mandate agreed by Switzerland and Ukraine
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Russia has said Switzerland is no longer neutral and cannot represent Ukrainian interests in Russia and Moscow’s interests in Ukraine.
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