Wed, May 1st 2024
Easing vocational training access for rejected asylum seekers and undocumented migrants.
Switzerland has introduced significant changes to facilitate access to basic vocational training for rejected asylum seekers and young undocumented migrants. Effective from June 1, individuals in these groups will only require two years of compulsory schooling in Switzerland to be eligible to submit a hardship application for admission.
The Federal Council has also extended the timeframe for submitting hardship applications from one to two years. This amendment to the Federal Ordinance on Admission, Residence, and Gainful Employment was announced on Wednesday, aligning with a parliamentary mandate.
Previously, the restrictive nature of the regulation was criticised for hindering the educational opportunities of undocumented migrants. The Federal Council’s recent adjustment aims to rectify this by lowering the compulsory schooling requirement, thereby fostering better integration and enabling young motivated adults to pursue vocational training, enhancing their potential contributions to society.
According to a consultation conducted by the Federal Council, there was broad support for these changes among participants, indicating a societal push towards more inclusive education policies. These modifications will retain the integration criteria and other requirements for granting a hardship permit under the Asylum Act and the related ordinance.
©Keystone/SDA
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