Switzerland’s National Council accepted nine proposals on Thursday containing stricter regulations on asylum policy, citizenship, cross-border workers and sanctions.
The Council of States, the upper house of Switzerland’s Federal Assembly, will consider the proposals during an extraordinary session on the European Union and asylum. Their status in the legislative process will become clear after the Council of States’ review.
Status of dual nationals
A motion submitted by the Swiss People’s Party parliamentary group calls on the government to oppose planned changes to compensation rules for unemployed cross-border workers. The changes are being considered as part of regulations linked to European Union rules.
The National Council also accepted a separate proposal concerning dual nationals convicted of the most serious crimes. The proposal calls for these individuals to have their Swiss citizenship revoked and to be deported.
Applications by Afghan women
Members of parliament called on the government to change its approach to asylum applications by Afghan women. The proposal envisages granting them temporary admission status instead of automatic asylum.
Proposal for sanctions against countries of origin
The parliamentary majority also supported legal changes concerning citizens’ countries of origin. Under the proposal, targeted sanctions would be imposed on countries of origin that refuse to cooperate.
The federal government had previously opposed all nine proposals considered by the National Council. The Council of States’ review will determine the proposals’ next stage in the legislative process.
