Wed, Jan 10th 2024
Arth SZ Embraces Change with Planned Asylum Center on Former Campsite
In a groundbreaking move, the federal government has unveiled plans for a new asylum center in Arth SZ, set to house up to 170 people. This initiative, resulting from a collaboration between the federal government, the canton, and the municipality, signifies a major shift in the region’s approach to handling asylum cases.
The transformation of the Buosingen campsite into an asylum center is a project expected to span at least six years. This development comes after the original owners ceased operations, paving the way for the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) to repurpose the site.
Initially, the SEM had eyed Wintersried in the municipality of Schwyz for a 340-place federal asylum center. However, due to strong local opposition, this plan was shelved in favor of the Buosingen site.
The sectoral plan procedure allows federal offices, the canton, the municipality, and local residents to provide input on the new site. This process includes a public consultation in Arth, ensuring the community’s rights to participation and appeal are upheld.
The Central Switzerland/Ticino asylum region is tasked with providing 340 places for asylum seekers turned away. With the Buosingen center offering 170 places, the search for a second location in another Central Switzerland canton is underway.
The federal government will manage the new center, resulting in fewer refugees being allocated to the municipality of Goldau and the canton of Schwyz. In years with average asylum numbers, Arth will see a minimal increase in asylum seeker intake.
For more about the history of Swiss refugee treatment.
©Keystone/SDA
English 
German 
French 
Spanish 
Arabic