Mandatory Covid testing for deportations should remain possible until the end of June 2024. After the National Council, the Council of States also approved the extension of the corresponding provision in the Aliens and Civic Integration Act on Tuesday.
The left in the Council did not want to comment on the bill, which the Council of States rejected with 33 votes in favor and 11 against. In the overall vote, the template passed with exactly the same result. She goes to the National Council to vote on the emergency clause.
FDP State Councilor Philippe Bauer (NE), spokesperson for the majority of the Commission, recalled that certain countries still require a Covid test upon entry. If, if necessary, the means of coercion were omitted, these deportations could no longer be carried out.
Minority spokeswoman Lisa Mazzone (Greens/GE) described the extension of the measure as disproportionate. Covid tests performed under duress seriously compromise the physical integrity of those affected. In addition, there are very few cases.
Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter pointed out that if the extension is not extended, there is a risk that those involved could continue to refuse and thus prevent repatriation.
Mandatory in several countries
Entry to five of the top ten countries of origin of asylum seekers currently requires a negative Covid test, and it is unpredictable when these countries will refrain from testing again. Some airlines also still required a test.
In the vast majority of the 215 cases counted since the provision’s implementation at the end of September 2022, no effective coercion was ultimately necessary, Keller-Sutter said. The measure also has a preventive effect and has generally proven itself.
The current arrangement is limited to the end of 2022. It has been in force since October 2, 2021 and can now be extended until mid-2024. Both councils only have to decide on the urgency clause. (SDA)