The federal asylum center in Boudry NE is overcrowded

The federal government must create more places for refugees elsewhere in Switzerland so that the upper limit of 480 places in Boudry is not exceeded, said State Councilor Florence Nater (SP), responsible for social cohesion, in the cantonal parliament on Wednesday. According to the government alderman, a maximum of 811 people lived at the location from September to mid-November 2022 and between 446 and 623 asylum seekers from mid-January to mid-February 2023.

The situation has worsened since the autumn, Nater said in response to an urgent interpellation from the Greens and Labor Party. Even if only a small number of asylum seekers cause problems, the State Council understands the tiredness and anger of the population if, for example, damage to property is no longer insured or if residents are afraid to use public transport.

The canton reached the federal government at the end of November and demanded measures to improve the situation inside and outside the accommodation. This will make more resources available for the social and health care of refugees and security patrols in public transport.

In an advisory report, the SVP had called for the center to be closed. “For weeks, the residents of Boudry have faced an unprecedented wave of insecurity and brutality,” said MP Niels Rosselet-Christ. The center is also heavily overcrowded, violating federal government regulations.

The deputies have largely changed the SVP advice with an amendment from the SP. The text requires that the necessary resources and measures be deployed in the field of care and safety, in collaboration with local and federal governments. In addition, the Council of State has been asked to demand that the federal government strictly adheres to the capacity limits for the reception of asylum seekers in the canton of Neuchâtel. (SDA)

Source:Blick