Posted17. Apr 2022, 12:07 p.m
That is the observation of Walter Leimgruber, chairman of the Federal Migration Commission, who is calling for a revision of the asylum policy that offers all refugees better integration.
Federal Asylum Center in Zurich.
Daniel Bach/SEM
Reports of destitute Ukrainian mothers queuing for food expenses in Switzerland are increasing. The arrival of the victims of this war has thus revealed the meager contributions of those seeking protection. Or in some cantons only 12 francs per day – for food, shampoo, medication and clothing, as the SonntagsBlick of the day found. And refugees who are not housed in a federal asylum center wait for weeks for help.
Lack of common sense and generosity
For Walter Leimgruber, President of the Federal Migration Commission (CFM), this shows: Switzerland works quite well as long as everything runs smoothly. But in times of crisis, our authorities are overwhelmed by disorderly situations. Sometimes there is a lack of common sense and a certain generosity, he adds.
So “instead of telling a community: We give every refugee 700 francs so that they can make ends meet for the first few weeks, we first have to clarify the question in detail: Who pays?” he. Refugees from Ukraine bear the brunt of our asylum policy – a system that is primarily based on deterrence, he recalls: We fear that people are doing too well. In reality, however, this prevents them from flying alone.
Nevertheless, according to Walter Leimgruber, along with other professors of cultural anthropology at the University of Basel, the studies clearly show that people need sufficient financial support and, above all, integration. This not only with the help of language courses, but also through intensive support in the search for an internship, apprenticeship or job. “It comes at a price,” he says. But it costs us a lot more if we have to pay them lifetime welfare.
Rethink refugee integration
According to the President of the CFM, Switzerland must fundamentally rethink how it deals with refugees, in particular by giving everyone the opportunity to integrate right from the start. “Even if they leave after a few years, it doesn’t hurt if they’ve learned the language and continued their education. Let’s think of it as a form of development aid, he notes.
In principle, protection status S does not provide for any integration measures. Its version, now adapted for refugees from Ukraine, includes measures for language learning, the opportunity for immediate employment and travel. “It shows what could be done in refugee policy if the political will is there,” he concludes.
Most refugees from countries at war, such as Afghans or Syrians, receive what is known as provisional admission status. They are therefore entitled to up to 20% less social assistance than recognized refugees. For Walter Leimgruber, this condition is a design flaw. It leaves people in a state of suspension, although most of those temporarily admitted remain in Switzerland.”
They live in precarious conditions, are dependent on social assistance and have little chance of bringing their families to join them, although this promotes integration. That is why the Migration Commission has long been calling for this status to be renamed and limited in time. “All other restrictions, such as cuts in social assistance for refugees, should also be lifted,” he said.
(ewe)