Only around 2% of the working-age Ukrainian refugees in Switzerland have found work, according to recent statistics published by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). The first challenge many of the refugees face is language. Recognition of qualifications is another. In addition, many are finding they cannot find positions at the same level as their […]
Switzerland releases 3 billion of frozen Russian funds
On 12 May 2022, Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) announced the release of CHF 3.4 billion of funds that was initially frozen in relation to sanctions against specified Russian individuals and companies, reported RTS. The release of the funds follows highly comprehensive analysis to establish whether the funds belonged to any people or […]
Swiss minister defends special treatment of Ukrainian refugees
Certain asylum seekers have reported disbelief, frustration and a sense of injustice upon seeing the integration and fast track visa measures offered to Ukrainian refugees in Switzerland. In response, Karin Keller-Sutter, Switzerland’s minister of police and justice, explained the differences in treatment to RTS. Recently, rumours of discontent among non-Ukrainian asylum seekers in Switzerland have […]
Ukraine refugee day centre opened by English-speaking churches in Lausanne
A Day Centre for Ukrainian refugees will be opened on 28 April 2022 supported by three local English-speaking churches. Based at the Scots Kirk, Avenue de Rumine 26 in Lausanne, it will be open Thursday and Sunday afternoons (14h00 – 17h00). Gillean MacLean, Minister of the Scots Kirk explains why the Centre is being established: […]
Ukrainians given less money than other refugees in Switzerland
Analysis by the newspaper SonntagsZeitung claims that Ukrainian refugees are sometimes given significantly less money by certain cantons than other refugees who end up in Switzerland, reports 20 Minutes. While Switzerland has put in place a fast track asylum process for Ukrainians, which quickly provides them with an S visa entitling them to work in […]
Switzerland steps up sanctions against Russia and Belarus
On 13 April 2022, Switzerland’s Federal Council decided to adopt stiffer sanctions against Russia and Belarus. The new sanctions cover measures in the areas of trade, finance and transport and include bans on the import of coal, wood, cement, seafood and vodka, products that serve as important sources of revenue for Russia. Exports of kerosene, […]
No sign of Putin’s mistress in Switzerland, says government
Rumours have circulated for years that Alina Kabaeva, an alleged mistress and possible wife of Vladimir Putin, could have spent time in Switzerland with a number of children potentially fathered by the Russian president. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the rumours have resurfaced. The latest rumours centre on unverified reports that Kabaeva and her […]
Swiss in favour of new fighter jets but not higher military spending
Despite the war in Ukraine, a recent poll run by Tamedia suggests that an increase in Swiss military spending is not supported by a majority of voters, reported RTS. The poll showed that only 45% would support an increase in military spending, while 41% think it is sufficiently funded and 8% think Switzerland’s military budget […]
Nestlé pulls popular brands out of Russia
Under public pressure Swiss food giant Nestlé announced it would pull certain brands in Russia. After fierce criticism from Ukrainian politicians and members of the public the firm said it would continue to sell essential foods while pulling popular brands such as KitKat and Nesquik. A growing number of western brands have suspended their operations […]
Russia’s war in Ukraine: lessons from Afghanistan
By Edward Girardet The Soviet Union’s war in Afghanistan led to the collapse of the USSR. There are lessons to be learned from the Kremlin’s nearly decade-long failure trying to combat the mujahideen in Afghanistan. Given Russia’s incompetent but brutal war in Ukraine, now being directed primarily at hapless civilians, plus an already collapsing economy […]
