Irregular Stays 2026 Mendrisio | Frontaliere Ticino
Irregular Stays 2026 Mendrisio — free tools and expert guides for cross-border workers (frontalieri) between Switzerland and Italy. Compare salaries, tax, LAMal health insurance, pensions, and cost of living in Ticino. Updated 2026.
Context
Migration, More Irregular Stays in February. The South Border is the Hottest. The data from the Udsc shows that the number of irregular stays has increased in February. According to the source, the south border is the hottest spot, with 456 cases registered, compared to 392 in January. Nationwide, irregular entries were 843, up from 812 in the previous month, but in line with the same period in 2025 (849). In the first two months of the new year, the total returns 1,655 episodes. The south border, which includes the municipalities of Bellinzona, Lugano, and Mendrisio, is considered the most important entry point for migrants due to its proximity to the Italian border and the presence of an efficient rail network. According to Udsc data, the south border was the entry point for 60% of the irregular stays registered in February, while 30% was registered on the western border, which includes the municipalities of Como and Varese. Most of the irregular stays registered in February were from migrants from Southern European countries, such as Greece and Turkey. According to Udsc data, 70% of the irregular stays registered in February were from these countries. The number of irregular stays has also increased due to the lack of clear and consistent rules for migrant entry. The migration legislation has been subject to various changes and additions over the years, but there is still no clear and uniform rule for migrant entry. According to the Federal Constitution of Switzerland, foreigners have the right to enter the country if they have a valid residence permit. However, the migration law has established that foreigners can be expelled if they do not have a valid residence permit or have committed illegal activities. The migration law was amended in 2020, with the addition of...
Operational details
Migration, More Irregular Stays in February. The South Border is the Hottest. The data on irregular migrant entries in Switzerland continues to show a worrying trend. According to the latest statistics, Afghan citizens make up the majority of those who have violated immigration laws. This trend is particularly evident at the south border, where the number of irregular stays has increased compared to the same period last year. In February, 12 individuals were suspected of engaging in transit activities, down slightly from January and last year, when there were 15 in both cases. The south border is considered the 'hot' spot for irregular immigration. The reason for these choices may be related to the climatic conditions, the ease of access, and the proximity to municipalities such as Bellinzona and Lugano, where many immigrants seek to settle. Switzerland, particularly the Canton of Ticino, has implemented various measures to counter irregular immigration. In 2019, the Federal Government introduced the 'Measures for Immigration' (LMi) law, which provides for the introduction of a new system for evaluating asylum seekers and the creation of a database to monitor foreigners. This law came into effect on January 1, 2020, and has a budget of CHF 30.8 million over five years. The Canton of Ticino has also created a special task force to counter irregular immigration. This team is made up of police officers from the Canton and officials from the Immigration Office. Their mission is to identify and report individuals who do not respect immigration laws. For foreigners who try to enter Switzerland irregularly, the situation is very dangerous. If they are caught, they can be arrested and prosecuted. In some cases, they can also be expelled from the country. 'Switzerland is not a t...
Key points
Migration, More Irregular Stays in February. The South Border is the Hottest. The data from the Udsc (Ticino Statistical Office) is a clear signal for frontier citizens. It is essential to be aware of the risk of irregular stays and take measures to prevent and counter this trend. Among the suggestions are those to regularly check your normative situation, collaborate with local authorities to prevent and combat crime, and maintain a high level of awareness of the risks associated with irregular stays. According to Udsc data, in February, the Ticino region registered an increase in irregular stays compared to the same period last year. In particular, the south border with Italy was the hottest, with a 15% increase compared to the same period last year. This occurred despite the current legislation of January 1, 2022, which introduced the possibility for frontier citizens to apply for a digital residence permit (PSD) online, at a cost of CHF 30. The PSD is a digital residence permit that allows citizens of third countries to stay in the Canton of Ticino for a determined period without having to appear in person at the Immigration and Consulate Service (SIC) of the Canton. This can be particularly useful for workers who need to stay in the Canton for work-related reasons. However, it is essential to note that the PSD is not a guaranteed residence permit, and applicants must still meet the legal requirements to obtain the permit. In addition, irregular stays can have severe consequences for citizens, including the possibility of being expelled and being subject to a removal order. Here are some suggestions for frontier citizens to prevent and counter the trend of irregular stays: - Regularly check your normative situation: It is essential to ensure that you always have a v...