Swiss "back tighter asylum laws"

[madkins]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5375106.stm


BBC.-Europe

Swiss 'back tighter asylum laws'

September 24, 2006

Swiss voters have backed plans to make it harder for asylum-seekers to get into the country, projections indicate.

The government says the new legislation will reduce abuse of the asylum system, but the UN says it could lead to breaches of refugees' rights.

The laws would require asylum-seekers to have valid identity papers.

They would also cut welfare payments to those whose applications are rejected, and introduce up to two years detention for those awaiting deportation.

The Swiss Refugee Council say the measures are far too strict, especially at a time when the number of people applying for asylum in Switzerla
nd is at its lowest in 20 years.

"The concrete effects for the persons concerned may be that persecuted persons, real refugees, will be hindered access to the asylum procedure and may even be rejected and returned," Jurg Schertenleib of the council said.

Children's rights

The BBC's Imogen Foulkes in Berne says that like most Western European countries, Switzerland is unwilling to have its traditionally generous asylum system exploited.

And, as in other countries, our correspondent says, there are cases of people applying for asylum who are not fleeing persecution but simply looking for a better life.

Swiss Justice Minister Christoph Blocher, who piloted the legislation, says what he calls the "paradise of Switzerland" just does not have room for everybody.

His sentiments seem to reflect public opinion, our correspondent says, but there are concerns that Switzerland's image abroad will be damaged.

The requirement that asylum seekers present proof of identity
within 48 hours has been sharply criticised, with the UN refugee agency saying it is common for genuine refugees not to have any means of identification.

And opponents say the introduction of up to two years detention for those awaiting deportation, including minors, could violate the UN convention on the rights of the child.

Skara Brae,

madkins

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Swiss Voters Ratify Tougher Asylum and Immigration Laws

GENEVA ”� Swiss voters ratified new asylum and immigration laws on Sunday, making it more difficult for refugees to receive assistance in Switzerland and effectively blocking unskilled workers outside Europe from moving to the country.

Over 67 percent voted in favor of the stricter rules on asylum, originally approved by the Swiss government in December, the office of the federal government said, announcing official results. The proposal was overwhelmingly accepted in all of Switzerland's 26 states.

The government says the law is designed to prevent abuses in the system caused by non-refugees finding ways to stay indefinitely in Switzerland. It facilitates easier repatriation of people whose asylum requests have been rejected, which the
government says will allow it to devote more resources to real refugees.

Those refusing to leave despite a rejected application can now be denied social welfare. Adults deemed to be only posing as refugees can be imprisoned for up to two years, and children for one year, even if they are never charged with a crime.

"We take note the results of referendum and regret that it has been adopted," said William Spindler, a spokesman for the United Nations refugee agency.