The Swiss Federal Council is growing increasingly concerned about a 2026 referendum that would cap the country’s population at ten million by restricting immigration.
The Swiss People’s Party backed initiative is gaining traction amid pressure on housing, transport, and jobs.
In response, federal officials have stepped up public messaging, stressing that immigration largely works well.
New OECD data shows Switzerland has one of Europe’s highest employment rates among immigrants, though foreign degree recognition and the integration of Ukrainians and non-EU women lag behind.
And while the asylum system accommodates around 30,000 people a year, Justice Minister Beat Jans says tougher, faster measures are needed to deal with criminal offenders in the system.
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