Switzerland braces for 10% rise in asylum seekers in 2024

Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans expects a 10% increase in the number of refugees entering the Alpine state in 2024. That corresponds to 3,000 more people than last year who need accommodating in federal asylum centres. Do you want to read our weekly top stories? Subscribe here. More asylum seekers will arrive in the autumn and winter, said the head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) in the Saturday Review aired by Swiss public broadcaster SRF. + How welcoming is Switzerland for refugees? According to the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), there is a shortage of 2,400 beds in Switzerland to accommodate them. To cover the increasing capacities, the authorities are in contact with the army and the cantons for further cooperation. The cantons will receive money to provide accommodation such as civil defence facilities. However, some of these facilities still need to be brought up to scratch. SEM is constantly looking for new accommodation options. Jans hopes ...