Graubünden changes residence permit procedures: new rules following the Roveredo affair

Context

TL;DR

• Graubünden changes residence permit rules after organized crime links found.
• Applicants must declare criminal records or ongoing proceedings.
• False declarations risk permit revocation and criminal proceedings.

Key facts

• Cosa: New rules for residence permits in Canton of Graubünden.
• Quando: Change announced after Roveredo affair, exact date not specified.
• Dove: Canton of Graubünden, Switzerland.
• Chi: State Councillor Peter Peyer (PS) introduced the new measure.
• Importo: No specific monetary value mentioned.
• Scadenza: Processing times vary, generally 3-6 months.
• Incontro: Meeting scheduled for mid-May in Roveredo to address the issue.
• Gruppo di lavoro: Possible working group to combat organized crime in Graubünden.

New rules for residence permits in the Canton of Graubünden

After the Roveredo affair, the Canton of Graubünden has announced a change in practice for the issuance of residence permits. In the future, applicants will have to declare whether they have any criminal records or ongoing proceedings. This measure was introduced in response to the discovery of links to organized crime among some individuals residing in Roveredo. State Councillor Peter Peyer (PS) explained that these declarations could lead to further investigations, such as requesting a criminal record extract. In case of well-founded doubts, this information could negatively influence the decision to grant the permit.

Implications for cross-border workers

Cross-border workers who wish to obtain a residence permit in the Canton of Graubünden will need to pay particular attention to this new regulation. Declaring any criminal records or ongoing proceedings will be a mandatory requirement. Those who are not truthful risk having their permit revoked. At the moment, it is not yet clear when the new practice will come into force, but it is likely that the cantonal authorities will provide further details in the coming months.

The issue arose during the question hour in the Grand Council, where the Mesocco councilor Samuele Censi (PLR) asked for clarification on the functioning of information exchange between Graubünden and other cantons, particularly Ticino. The question follows the arrest of four people linked to the Camorra and the 'Ndrangheta, residing in Roveredo, as part of an international operation against drug trafficking and money laundering.

Meeting between municipalities and cantonal authorities

To address the issue, a meeting is scheduled for mid-May in Roveredo between representatives of the Moesano municipalities, employees of the Commercial Register Office, the Public Prosecutor's Office, and the Graubünden Cantonal Police. The aim is to verify the operational activities of legal entities to prevent them from entering into employment contracts for the purpose of obtaining residence permits. Additionally, a further meeting between the law enforcement agencies of the Canton of Graubünden and the Canton of Ticino is planned for mid-June.

Peter Peyer's Department is considering the possibility of setting up a working group with various cantonal offices to identify, prevent, and combat organized crime in the Canton of Graubünden. According to Peyer, organized crime is expanding throughout Switzerland, not limited to Mesocco or the southern valleys.

Operational details

Practical analysis: what changes for applicants

The new procedure for residence permits in the Canton of Graubünden introduces a series of practical implications for applicants. First, it will be necessary to declare any criminal records or ongoing proceedings. This declaration will be verified by the cantonal authorities, which may request additional documents, such as the criminal record extract.

Procedure for applying for a residence permit

1. Declaration of criminal records: Applicants will need to fill out a form declaring whether they have any criminal records or ongoing proceedings. 2. Verification of declarations: The cantonal authorities will verify the declarations provided and, if necessary, request additional documents. 3. Final decision: Based on the information collected, the authorities will decide whether or not to grant the residence permit.

What happens in case of false declarations

Those who are not truthful in their declarations risk having their residence permit revoked. The cantonal authorities may initiate criminal proceedings for false declarations, with consequent sanctions.

Comparison with the previous situation

Before this change, the process of applying for a residence permit in the Canton of Graubünden did not require a mandatory declaration of criminal records. The new procedure aims to strengthen transparency and prevent the settlement of individuals linked to organized crime. This change is in line with the measures adopted by other Swiss cantons to combat the phenomenon.

Implications for cross-border workers

Cross-border workers who intend to obtain a residence permit in the Canton of Graubünden should pay particular attention to this new regulation. It is advisable to consult a lawyer specializing in migration law to ensure that all requirements are met and to avoid any problems with the cantonal authorities.

Recommended tools

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Key points

What to do to obtain a residence permit in the Canton of Graubünden

To obtain a residence permit in the Canton of Graubünden, applicants must follow a specific procedure. Here are the steps to follow:

Steps to apply for a residence permit

1. Fill out the application form: Applicants must fill out the residence permit application form, available on the official website of the Canton of Graubünden. 2. Criminal record declaration: In the form, applicants must declare if they have any criminal records or ongoing proceedings. 3. Submission of documentation: Along with the completed form, applicants must submit the required documentation, such as a passport, proof of residence, and a certificate of good conduct. 4. Verification of declarations: The cantonal authorities will verify the declarations provided and, if necessary, request additional documents. 5. Final decision: Based on the information gathered, the authorities will decide whether or not to grant the residence permit.

Deadlines and processing times

The processing times for the decision on the residence permit can vary depending on the complexity of the case. In general, the cantonal authorities aim to complete the process within 3-6 months from the submission of the application. However, in complex cases, the process may take longer.

Useful tools

To facilitate the process of applying for a residence permit, applicants can use various online tools. For example, the residence permit calculator can help determine if the requirements for obtaining the permit are met. Additionally, the cost of living calculator can provide an estimate of the costs associated with living in the Canton of Graubünden.

Conclusion

The new procedure for residence permits in the Canton of Graubünden introduces important changes for applicants. It is essential to follow the procedure carefully and provide accurate declarations to avoid problems with the cantonal authorities. By using the available online tools, applicants can facilitate the process and increase their chances of obtaining the residence permit.

Source: tio.ch