Procedures remain in Switzerland: the Council of States clearly rejects a change of course in asylum policy

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The largest parliamentary group opened the debate on asylum and immigration in the form of an extraordinary session. For example, she called for the consistent implementation of the mass immigration initiative adopted by the people and cantons in February 2014.

The Council of States of Ticino and SVP President Marco Chiesa warned of a “Switzerland of 10 million”. What is ultimately needed is independent control over the immigration of foreigners through annual maximum numbers and quotas.

Thomas Minder (independent/SH) stated that Switzerland should focus on qualitative and manageable population growth. “Migration to our small country is not sustainable.” Although consumption is increasing, prosperity is not increasing. Despite the free movement of people within the EU, there is a shortage of skilled workers.

The Federal Council sees no need for action

Minister of Justice Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, on behalf of the Federal Council, recalled that, in implementing the mass immigration initiative, Parliament had decided on a management system compatible with the agreement on free movement between the EU and Switzerland and ensuring that the bilateral path continued. With the rejection of the restriction initiative in September 2020, the people and the cantons confirmed this path.

Like the Federal Council, the Council of States saw no further need for action in line with the motion. The proposal was rejected with 28 votes in favor, 9 votes in favor and 3 abstentions. This is now off the table.

Asylum procedures remain within the country

The second motion for a paradigm shift in asylum policy also had no chance in the Council of States. With 30 votes to 8 and one abstention, the small chamber said no. The proposal, which has now been completed, required a concept for carrying out asylum procedures abroad in the future. In addition, protection centers must be set up abroad.

The right to seek asylum is a central part of Swiss asylum policy and is guaranteed by both international and national law, Justice Minister Baume-Schneider said. Instead, the Federal Council focuses on accelerating asylum procedures, processing unfounded asylum applications at the external border of the Schengen area and reducing secondary movements within the Dublin area.

On Wednesday afternoon, the National Council will discuss two identical proposals. Further proposals from the remaining five parliamentary groups are also on the agenda for the extraordinary session. This includes increasing humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

(SDA)

Source:Blick