Migration Report 2012 published

Bern. The faster processing of asylum applications and the programme against forced marriage are two of the main highlights presented in the Migration Report 2012, which was published today. The public and private sector dialogue on integration of foreign workers is also covered.

In order to handle the consistently high volume of incoming asylum applications, asylum processing times need to be shortened. For this reason, a new 48-hour procedure has been introduced for asylum seekers from visa-exempt European countries.

Efforts should also be made to encourage the integration of foreign workers. With this aim in mind, representatives of the public and private sectors met in October 2012 to discuss integration in the workplace. The pilot project "Use of German on Building Sites" is one outcome of this dialogue.

In addition to presenting facts and figures on foreign nationals and asylum seekers in Switzerland, the Migration Report 2012 also provides an overview of the effects of free movement and migration partnerships with countries of origin. Other topics include swissREPAT, which is responsible for making arrangements for the departure of foreign nationals, as well as the new Citizenship Handbook and the integrated management strategy. The complete Migration Report 2012 sheds light on the various fields of activity of the Federal Office for Migration.