New asylum practice for Afghan women so far without “pull effect” according to SEM
Published: Thursday, Nov 30th 2023, 13:20
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The number of asylum applications from new Afghan women arriving in Switzerland has not yet risen sustainably following the change in practice of granting these women asylum as a rule. However, Afghans already living in Switzerland have increasingly reapplied for asylum.
Speaking to the media in Bern on Thursday, the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) provided figures on the change in asylum practice for women and girls from Afghanistan in July. As a rule, they are recognized as refugees - following an examination of the individual case - and are thus granted the right to be joined by close relatives.
Seasonal fluctuations
Newly arrived Afghans applied for asylum more frequently in August and September, said Deputy SEM Director Claudio Martelli. The reason for this was the usual seasonal fluctuations and not the change in practice. In October, there were again fewer applications from newly arrived Afghans.
However, the SEM has observed an increase in new asylum applications from Afghans already living in Switzerland, usually as temporarily admitted persons. In September, they submitted 700 asylum applications. Of these, 400 were from women. In October, the number fell to around 300 applications - 189 of which were from women and girls.
"We are not seeing a sustained pull effect," said Martelli, "but a seasonal increase and more follow-up applications." Those who submit a follow-up application do not need a place in the heavily used asylum accommodation. After all, these people are already living in Switzerland.
National Council debate on correction
In the winter session, the National Council will debate the change in asylum practice towards Afghan women. At an extraordinary session requested by the SVP, a motion by Gregor Rutz (SVP/ZH) demanding that the change in practice be corrected will be discussed. It was co-signed by SVP and FDP representatives.
The SEM points out that it may decide on changes in practice with regard to citizens of certain countries or groups of people without consulting Parliament or its relevant committees. This is also done on an ongoing basis and is provided for in the Asylum Act.
The SEM justifies the fact that Afghan women are generally granted asylum with the continuously deteriorating human rights since the Taliban took power a good two years ago. Fundamental rights of women and girls in Afghanistan are massively restricted, such as access to education. Women are also prohibited from working.
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