Swiss would welcome Ukrainian refugees

There’s general support for Switzerland to open up to refugees from Ukraine. Tens of thousands are currently fleeing the country after the invasion.

The Swiss Refugee Aid group says there’s a feeling of solidarity with Ukrainians and they've been taking calls from people willing to help house those in need. 

The president Ignazio Cassis says it would be useless to give a number on how many Ukrainian refugees Switzerland could take in as Ukrainians are free to enter the country anyway. He says they will be welcomed as European brothers and sisters. 

The Federal Councillor, Karin Keller Sutter – who was once known for having a hard line on immigration – is softening her stance. She says the government is with the Ukrainian people. She says they don’t know how many may come here seeking help. There are around 7,000 Ukrainians living in Switzerland.

Other European countries have far more already. Italy has a quarter of a million. 
 

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