Graubünden tighten permits after mafia infiltration

Context

In brief

• Graubünden changes residence permit rules
• Criminal record declaration mandatory
• Stricter controls on the way

Key facts

• What: New rules for residence permits
• When: To be defined
• Where: Canton of Graubünden
• Who: State Councillor Peter Peyer
• Amount: Not specified

Following the arrest of four people linked to the Camorra and ’Ndrangheta residing in Roveredo, the Canton of Graubünden announced a change in the rules for residence permits. Applicants will have to declare any criminal records or ongoing proceedings. This measure could lead to stricter controls.

Grisons State Councillor Peter Peyer announced that applicants will have to explicitly declare any criminal records or ongoing proceedings. This information could lead to further checks, such as requesting a criminal record extract. In the presence of well-founded doubts, these elements could be considered in the material judgment and motivate a negative decision.

Implications for cross-border workers

The new procedure could have a significant impact on cross-border workers wishing to obtain a residence permit in the Canton of Graubünden. Those who provide false information in the self-declaration will risk the immediate withdrawal of the permit. The exact date for the entry into force of the new procedure has not yet been established.

Grisons parliamentarian Samuele Censi raised the issue in the Grand Council, intervening at the cantonal level in collaboration with the Municipality of Roveredo from the outset. Censi also presented an interpellation signed by the deputies of the Roveredo district to ask, among other things, whether the Canton intends to follow the path already taken by Ticino, introducing the systematic request for a criminal record extract.

Comparison with Ticino

The change in procedure was welcomed with moderate optimism by Censi, albeit with the awareness that it is not a definitive solution. 'Ticino in 2009 also adopted a similar measure before moving in 2015 to the systematic request for a criminal record. This is an intermediate step. What matters most is that today there is greater awareness of the problem and the willingness to address it,' emphasized the deputy.

In a first phase, admits Censi, 'we perceived a certain lack of sensitivity on the part of the Government. The issue then became of cantonal and national scope, pushing the Executive to intervene. There is satisfaction in noting that our steps have led to concrete results.' However, the need to strengthen the information network remains: 'I believe there is a lack of closer collaboration and systematic exchange of information between the various departments and with other cantons,' concludes Censi.

Next steps

Institutions are taking action. Thanks also to the intervention of the Moesano deputies, a first meeting is scheduled for mid-May in Roveredo, involving representatives of the Moesano municipalities, employees of the Commercial Register Office, the Public Prosecutor's Office, and the Graubünden Cantonal Police. In mid-June, a further summit is also planned between the law enforcement agencies of the Cantons of Graubünden and Ticino.

Among the topics of discussion will also be a crucial issue: how to verify the actual operability of companies with legal personality, in order to prevent fictitious companies from entering into employment contracts solely for the purpose of obtaining residence permits for people linked to organized crime. The phenomenon particularly affects Moesano because, as Censi observes, 'Ticino has tightened the screws and the problem has shifted to us.' To counter the so-called 'letterbox companies,' explains the mayor of Grono, 'in collaboration with the Canton, we have introduced an additional verification step: in Moesano, we systematically ask new companies to confirm their address. The company must submit to the Municipality the documents certifying its location.'

Operational details

Analysis of the new rules

The new rules for residence permits in the Canton of Graubünden represent a significant step towards greater transparency and security. The mandatory declaration of any criminal records or ongoing proceedings is a measure aimed at preventing the infiltration of criminal organizations into the cantonal territory.

Implications for cross-border workers

For cross-border workers who wish to obtain a residence permit in the Canton of Graubünden, the new rules involve greater attention in completing the application. It is essential to provide accurate and complete information to avoid the withdrawal of the permit. Requesting a criminal record extract could become a systematic practice, as is already the case in the Canton of Ticino.

Comparison with the Canton of Ticino

The Canton of Ticino has already adopted similar measures in 2009, then moving in 2015 to the systematic request of the criminal record. This comparison highlights the importance of closer collaboration between the cantons to effectively address the problem of mafia infiltration.

Verification of companies

The verification of the actual operation of companies is a crucial issue to prevent the use of fictitious companies to obtain residence permits. In Moesano, an additional verification step is being introduced for new companies, requiring confirmation of the address and delivery of documents certifying the location.

Collaboration between cantons

Collaboration between the law enforcement agencies of the Cantons of Graubünden and Ticino is essential to address the problem of mafia infiltration. The meetings scheduled for May and June represent an important step towards greater cooperation and exchange of information.

Conclusion

The new rules for residence permits in the Canton of Graubünden represent a significant step towards greater security and transparency. Collaboration between the cantons and the introduction of stricter controls are fundamental to prevent the infiltration of criminal organizations into the cantonal territory.

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Key points

What to do to obtain a residence permit

To obtain a residence permit in the Canton of Graubünden, it is important to carefully follow the new rules. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Fill out the application: Provide all the requested information accurately and completely. 2. Declare any criminal records: Indicate any criminal records or ongoing proceedings. 3. Provide verification documents: Submit documents that certify the location of the company, if applicable. 4. Wait for the response: Wait for the decision of the cantonal authorities.

Useful tools

For further information and assistance, you can use the residence permit calculator available on the site. This tool can help you better understand the new rules and requirements for obtaining a residence permit in the Canton of Graubünden.

Conclusion

The new rules for residence permits in the Canton of Graubünden represent an important step towards greater security and transparency. Carefully following the procedures and providing accurate information is fundamental to obtaining a residence permit without problems.

Source: tvsvizzera.it