The Federal Customs and Border Security service said 7,891 people had been found living in Switzerland without authorisation. This is a monthly increase of more than 2,000 since September. In October 2021, border guards found 2,090 illegal immigrants.
Most of these people had arrived across Switzerland’s eastern and southern borders and mainly originated from Afghanistan and Tunisia.
Police are investigating 385 cases of suspected people smuggling in the first 10 months of year, of which 50 were reported in October.
Switzerland is already struggling to accommodate the rising numbers of refugees who properly register with the authorities when they enter the country.
The army has been forced to construct temporary accommodation while cantons have been asked to take care of a more refugees than in normal times.
The State Secretariat for Migration expects to handle 22,000 refugee applications by the end of the year, which is 7,000 more than during 2021.
Justice minister warns over Swiss parliament protest against climate ruling
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Justice Minister Beat Jans says a possible declaration by the Swiss parliament against the European Court of Human Right (ECHR’s) recent landmark climate ruling against Switzerland could be problematic.
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Talks aimed at reaching a global agreement on how to better fight pandemics will be concluded by 2025 or earlier if possible, the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) said on Saturday.
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Switzerland supports a new peace proposal pushed by US President Joe Biden for a hostage agreement and a ceasefire in Gaza.
Parts of Switzerland and Germany waterlogged as heavy rains continue
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Heavy rains continue to affect eastern Switzerland and the centre of the country. Flooding, landslides and damage to infrastructure have been reported. Further rains are forecast on Sunday.
Study: high pollen concentrations increase blood pressure
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A high concentration of pollen can increase blood pressure in allergy sufferers, according to a Swiss study. The effect is much more pronounced in women and people who are overweight.
New asylum regulations come into effect in Switzerland
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Several asylum-related changes come into effect in Switzerland on June 1 aimed at improving the employment and housing situations of refugees.
Swiss unions call for CHF5,000 monthly salary for qualified apprentices
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All workers who have completed an apprenticeship should earn at least CHF5,000 per month, the Swiss Trade Union Federation said on Friday.
Flooding risks in parts of Switzerland and Germany after heavy rains
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There is a significant risk of flooding on the River Rhine from Lake Constance to Basel and on the Thur River in canton Thurgau in eastern Switzerland.
Switzerland to intensify border checks during sporting events
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In the context of events including the European Football Championships and the summer Olympics, border security will be increased.
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Foreign children forced to grow up ‘in the closet’ call for apology
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Thousands of children of seasonal workers were not allowed to live with their parents in Switzerland – or did so illegally.
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Migration is one of the leading issues in the programmes of Swiss political parties as the country heads towards parliamentary elections in the autumn. Migration was also a major topic in debates at the World Social Forum which has just ended in the Senegalese capital, Dakar. The recent political turbulence in Tunisia has made the…
Swiss minister defends approach towards transiting migrants
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Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter has rejected criticism that Swiss authorities are simply “waving migrants through” on the asylum route.
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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.