Following dissatisfaction among the population: 24-hour procedures will also be introduced in Boudry NE

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Beat Jans, the head of the Federal Ministry of Justice and Police (FDJP), exchanged views with representatives of the canton of Neuchâtel, the municipality of Boudry and civil society organizations to get an idea of ​​the situation on the ground. The Minister of Justice also addressed the concerns of the cantonal authorities about the increasing insecurity among the population.

Jans assured the media in Boudry that he takes the concerns of the population very seriously. Together with the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) and the cantonal and municipal authorities, numerous social and security measures were gradually implemented to improve the security situation around the Federal Asylum Center.

Concerns in the neighborhood

For example, external security patrols were deployed to prevent violence and other attacks, Jans explains. A street mediation project was also launched.

Since January 1, 2024, an employee of the canton has been working together with a person from the SEM who provides care. As mediating social workers, they must facilitate contact between the population and asylum seekers. Meetings with residents are regularly organized.

The average occupancy rate in Boudry between January 1, 2024 and March 1, 2024 was 307 people per month with a capacity of 480 places. According to authorities, the maximum capacity has not been exceeded since February 2023. A peak of more than 800 people was registered in the autumn of 2022.

Faster procedures announced

According to Jans, the national asylum measures announced in Chiasso TI in February will also be introduced in Boudry in the coming weeks, in particular the 24-hour procedures that have been successfully tested in Zurich. The aim is to process asylum applications from people from countries of origin with a low asylum percentage more quickly, says Jans.

With regard to security, based on the recommendations of Thomas Würgler, the former commander of the Zurich cantonal police, the possibilities for ordering administrative detention for intensive offenders should be improved. A roundtable discussion with the federal and cantonal authorities is planned in Boudry in April.

After Basel in January and Ticino in February, Boudry is the third location of federal asylum centers that Federal Councilor Jans has visited.

(SDA)

Source:Blick