Problematic Migrants, the Government Decides on Dedicated Facilities in Ticino (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on

The Canton Ticino Government announces the adoption of dedicated facilities for problematic migrants, with new criteria and deadlines. Here's what’s changing.

Contesto

TL;DR - Ticino plans new facilities for problematic migrants by April 2024. - 150-200 migrants involved in distress or problematic behavior. - Investment of 10 million Swiss francs for new centers. - Goal: reduce tension and escapes by over 40%. ## Key facts - Number of migrants: 150-200 individuals involved in distress or problematic behavior. - Current facilities: Reception centers in Chiasso, Lugano, and Mendrisio. - New facilities: Dedicated centers in Lugano, Mendrisio, and Bellinzona with 50-70 beds each. - Investment: 10 million Swiss francs, partly funded by cantonal and federal sources. - Legislation: Federal law on residence and expulsion, updated with the 2026 law. - Deadline: Detailed plan to be discussed by the end of April 2024. - Staff training: Includes cultural mediators, social workers, and security staff. - Security measures: Closed-circuit cameras, alarm systems, and isolation zones. Problematic Migrants, the Government Decides on Dedicated Facilities in Ticino The issue of problematic migrants in Ticino has gained increasing attention in recent months, with numbers continuing to rise. Currently, around 150-200 individuals are involved in situations of distress or problematic behavior, mainly concentrated in reception centers in Chiasso, Lugano, and Mendrisio. Managing these cases has highlighted significant challenges, including overcrowding, control difficulties, and debates over integration and security methods. The secured section of Pasture, established in 2018, has often proven inadequate for ensuring the safety of both staff and migrants, with incidents of tension and escape attempts occurring at least three times in the past year. > Managing problematic migrants requires more suitable tools, states Marco Borradori, Director of the Departm...

Dettagli operativi

The regulations and deadlines concerning these dedicated facilities are still being finalized, but operational and financial details are becoming clearer. According to internal sources from the Ticino Department of Institutions, the pilot project plans to establish at least three new centers by the end of April 2024, each with an estimated capacity of 50-70 migrants, mainly in Lugano, Mendrisio, and Bellinzona. These centers aim to handle critical situations, such as problematic migrants or individuals awaiting more permanent transfers. Swiss legislation, aligned with federal directives of March 15, 2024, mandates that each facility be equipped with advanced security measures — including closed-circuit cameras, alarm systems, and isolation zones — and staffed with highly qualified personnel, such as cultural mediators, social workers, and security staff, under standardized contracts and specific training. > “The goal is to ensure safety and respect for human rights without compromising service quality,” states State Councillor Marco Borradori. The management of these facilities will be entrusted to public entities, like the Department of Institutions, or specialized companies in reception and security sectors, with clear and transparent authorization procedures outlined in the federal decree of February 22, 2024. Construction costs are estimated between 1.5 and 2 million Swiss francs per center, while monthly operating expenses are around 30-50 thousand francs, covering surveillance, social assistance, and maintenance. Approval deadlines are set for April 15, 2024, with parliamentary discussions scheduled for the end of that month. The legislation also allows for the use of temporary emergency structures, such as containers or prefabricated modules, regulated by spec...

Punti chiave

Problematic Migrants, the Government Decides on Dedicated Facilities in Ticino For those facing this sensitive issue of problematic migrants in the canton, it is essential to understand in detail how to access the dedicated facilities and what rights are guaranteed. The first step is to seek information from cantonal offices, such as the Ticino Department of Finance and Economy, or consult official channels, including the department’s website, which provides updates on current regulations and procedures. For example, starting in 2024, Ticino has allocated approximately 15 million Swiss francs for expanding and upgrading reception facilities, including the new center in Chiasso, capable of accommodating up to 200 people, and the Bellinzona center, with around 150 beds. These investments aim to improve reception efficiency and reduce risks of social or security issues. In case of emergencies or critical situations, here are some practical tips: - Contact the relevant authorities immediately via emergency numbers (112, 117). - Follow staff instructions and behave civily, avoiding provocative conduct that could worsen the situation. - Adhere to safety procedures, such as evacuation or isolation, and cooperate with law enforcement. - For migrants, it’s important to know your rights, including legal and health assistance, and to reach out to support structures recognized by the Department. - If you suspect or observe problematic behavior, report it to police or local social services. To manage the situation effectively, it’s helpful to have an operational checklist: - Check for prior reports or incidents. - Know the reference facilities and emergency contacts. - Inform yourself about migrants’ rights and available support services. - Keep updated on regulatory changes, su...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"How many problematic migrants are currently involved in Ticino?","a":"About 150-200 people in situations of distress or problematic behavior are involved, mainly concentrated in the reception centers of Chiasso, Lugano and Mendrisio."},{"q":"What will be the approximate capacity of each new facility dedicated to problematic migrants in Ticino?","a":"Each structure will be able to accommodate about 50-70 migrants."},{"q":"What are the minimum security requirements for the new Ticino facilities for problematic migrants?","a":"Every facility must include CCTV, alarm systems, isolation zones, and specialized personnel. The requirements are defined by the federal decree of 22 February 2024 and also provide for rapid intervention protocols and continuous training for cultural operators and mediators."},{"q":"How will the monthly management of the new centers for problematic migrants be financed?","a":"The monthly cost per center is estimated at between 30,000 and 50,000 Swiss francs, covered by cantonal and federal funds. The total CHF 10 million for the construction also includes maintenance, surveillance and social welfare services."},{"q":"What are the operational deadlines for the activation of the new structures in Ticino?","a":"Approvals are expected on April 15, 2024, with debates in Parliament by the end of April. Temporary structures (containers or prefabricated modules) must be regulated by April 30, 2024, while the definitive centers will be operational by 2025."}]

Frequently Asked Questions
How many problematic migrants are currently involved in Ticino?
About 150-200 people in situations of distress or problematic behavior are involved, mainly concentrated in the reception centers of Chiasso, Lugano and Mendrisio.
What will be the approximate capacity of each new facility dedicated to problematic migrants in Ticino?
Each structure will be able to accommodate about 50-70 migrants.
What are the minimum security requirements for the new Ticino facilities for problematic migrants?
Every facility must include CCTV, alarm systems, isolation zones, and specialized personnel. The requirements are defined by the federal decree of 22 February 2024 and also provide for rapid intervention protocols and continuous training for cultural operators and mediators.
How will the monthly management of the new centers for problematic migrants be financed?
The monthly cost per center is estimated at between 30,000 and 50,000 Swiss francs, covered by cantonal and federal funds. The total CHF 10 million for the construction also includes maintenance, surveillance and social welfare services.
What are the operational deadlines for the activation of the new structures in Ticino?
Approvals are expected on April 15, 2024, with debates in Parliament by the end of April. Temporary structures (containers or prefabricated modules) must be regulated by April 30, 2024, while the definitive centers will be operational by 2025.

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