Problematic Migrants, the Government Decides on Dedicated Facilities in Ticino

Context

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 Department of Finance and Economy (DFE).

In response, the cantonal government has decided to implement a more structured strategy, announcing that a detailed plan will be discussed by the end of April 2024. The most concrete proposal involves creating new dedicated facilities capable of temporarily hosting migrants with problematic behaviors, equipped with specialized staff, advanced security systems, and spaces for temporary isolation. These facilities will preferably be located in Lugano, Mendrisio, and Bellinzona, each with an estimated capacity of 50-70 beds, and an expected investment of around 10 million Swiss francs, partly funded by cantonal and federal sources. The relevant legislation includes the federal law on residence and expulsion, updated with the 2026 law, which introduces stricter regulations for managing problematic migrants.

Operationally, the checklist includes: staff training, surveillance systems, rapid intervention protocols, and the creation of a monitoring committee composed of representatives from municipalities, law enforcement, and NGOs. Temporary structures, such as prefabricated modules or mobile centers, serve as a bridge solution, allowing quick responses to emergencies and unforeseen situations.

Practically, scenario comparisons show that managing problematic migrants in dedicated, controlled facilities could reduce tension episodes and escapes by over 40%, compared to current management. However, concerns remain about a potential rise in social tensions in surrounding areas, especially in Chiasso and Mendrisio, where the presence of problematic migrants has already sparked public debates and petitions. The government reaffirmed that the primary goal is to ensure public order and human dignity, with continuous and transparent monitoring of the new facilities, in line with current regulations and legal deadlines, including the migration law revision scheduled for 2026 and quarterly reporting obligations.

Operational details

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 specific standards to be approved by April 30. Proposed measures include advanced surveillance systems and isolation zones, useful in critical situations like altercations or escape attempts.

“Safety must be a priority, without losing sight of human rights,” emphasizes President of the Council of State, Norman Gobbi.

In a broader context, policies on protection and security are part of the fight against human trafficking and exploitation, with particular focus on the Brogeda and Gaggiolo borders. Collaboration between Italy and Switzerland will be strengthened through bilateral agreements, such as the Cooperation Agreement of January 12, 2024, which foresees information exchanges and joint interventions.

The 2026 legislation, still under development, sets precise deadlines for reviewing and upgrading existing structures, aiming to create an integrated system capable of providing swift responses within the next fiscal year. Municipalities like Lugano, Mendrisio, and Bellinzona are already preparing operational checklists, including land assessments, cost planning, staff training, and emergency procedures. Different practical scenarios—ranging from temporary reception of problematic migrants to crisis management in operational facilities—are shaping a system designed to respond effectively to current challenges, aiming for safer and more humane management of critical situations.

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Key points

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, such as the federal law of 2023 on migration flows, which includes special emergency funds of 50 million francs for 2024-2025.
• Consider practical scenarios: for instance, if about 30 problematic migrants are present in Lugano, temporary reception facilities offer around 80 beds, while targeted integration efforts are planned for Mendrisio and Locarno.

FAQ:

• How long will stay in the new dedicated facilities last?

The duration varies based on individual cases, but an average of 3-6 months is expected, with extensions possible in specific situations.

• What are the relevant regulations?

Besides the federal law of 2023 and the cantonal regulation of 2024, municipal regulations—such as those in Lugano and Bellinzona—include financial incentives and integration programs.

• Can visitors see the migrants housed?

Visits are subject to security rules and authorizations and are generally permitted only with prior approval from staff.

• What costs are involved for citizens?

The facilities are mainly financed with public funds, like the 15 million francs mentioned, with no direct costs for residents; however, social and health assistance expenses are borne by the Canton.

• How can I report issues or concerns?

Through official channels of the Department of Finance or local authorities, including online platforms or emergency numbers.

For further insights into costs and management models, consult tools like the salary calculator on Frontaliere Ticino, which helps navigate the local socio-economic landscape, assessing how reception and integration policies impact cross-border workers and border communities. Remember, in 2023, the average gross income in Ticino was around 6,400 francs per month, and migration management policies have become crucial for maintaining social cohesion and economic stability in the region.