Switzerland seizes refugee assets: report

Local media sources reported on 15 January 2016 that Swiss authorities were asking for those crossing the border to surrender to the state any assets worth more than 1,000 Swiss francs as a contribution towards their upkeep.

It was also reported that refugees winning the right to stay and work in Switzerland would have to surrender 10% of their pay for up to a decade until they repay 15,000 francs.

Switzerland became the second country in Europe intending to seize migrants' valuables to pay for their stay, after Denmark set the debate with a similar legislative proposal.

Later reports suggested that the practice had existed in Switzerland for over twenty years.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Outrage as Swiss move to segregate asylum-seekers http://www.europeansources.info/record/outrage-as-swiss-move-to-segregate-asylum-seekers/

The Guardian, 15.01.16: Switzerland joins Denmark in seizing assets from refugees to cover costs http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/15/switzerland-joins-denmark-in-seizing-assets-from-refugees-to-cover-costs

Euronews, 15.01.16: Switzerland ‘seizes assets from migrants’ to cover costs http://www.euronews.com/2016/01/15/switzerland-seizes-assets-from-migrants-to-cover-costs/

Swissinfo.ch, 15.11.16: Why Switzerland takes asylum seekers’ assets http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/asylum-price_why-switzerland-takes-asylum-seekers--assets/41896774

Swissinfo.ch: Tag: Asylum in Switzerland. A safe haven http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/in-depth/a-safe-haven

The Local.ch, 15.01.16: Revealed: Switzerland already strips refugees of cash http://www.thelocal.ch/20160115/revealed-switzerland-already-strips-refugee-valuables

EurActiv, 15.01.16: Swiss, like Danes, seize assets from refugees to recoup costs http://www.euractiv.com/sections/justice-home-affairs/swiss-danes-seize-assets-refugees-recoup-costs-321017

BBC News, 15.01.16: Migrant crisis: Switzerland defends asset seizure law http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-35323315

---