Troubled asylum seekers project frozen in Pasture

Context

In brief

• Project for problematic asylum seekers in Pasture frozen
• SEM and Canton agree on special centers
• Round table with mayors and federal authorities
• Involvement of 12 Ticino municipalities
• Federal investments for special centers estimated at 50 million francs

Key facts

• What: Freezing of the project for a section of problematic asylum seekers
• When: Confirmation arrived this morning
• Where: Pasture, Canton Ticino
• Who: Department of Institutions, SEM, affected municipalities
• Amount: 50 million francs estimated for special centers

This morning, a round table was held on security around centers for asylum seekers. The director of the Department of Institutions, Norman Gobbi, confirmed that the project for a section of problematic asylum seekers within the federal center in Pasture has been frozen. The SEM also does not intend to proceed with this solution. The central point remains the role of the Confederation, which should create special centers to manage these problematic or recalcitrant asylum seekers. According to Gobbi, this choice would avoid transferring problems both within ordinary federal centers and to the surrounding population.

Municipal involvement

At the meeting, the mayors of the affected municipalities also participated, who positively welcomed the climate of dialogue with the federal authorities. The mayor of Novazzano, Sergio Bernasconi, emphasized how the SEM has indicated that to address certain problems, one must 'be together, sit at the table and not impose decisions from above'.

Coordination between institutions

The round table on security arises from the experience of crisis meetings during the most delicate periods of migration, but today it has become more structured. In addition to the SEM, it brings together the Federal Customs Office, the Cantonal Police, the municipalities, the Canton, and the judicial authorities. For Luca Pagani, mayor of Balerna, it is positive that all the actors in security have been brought together, thus improving coordination and valuing the point of view of the municipalities, the true 'antennas on the territory'.

Concrete examples and real numbers

In 2022, the center in Pasture hosted 200 asylum seekers, 20 of whom were considered problematic. The creation of special centers, such as the one in Chiasso, which has a capacity of 50 places, has been proposed to manage these cases. The annual cost to manage a special center is estimated at around 5 million francs, with an initial investment of 10 million francs for the structure.

Regulations and dates

The federal law on foreigners of December 16, 2005, provides for the possibility of creating special centers for problematic asylum seekers. The Canton of Ticino launched a pilot project in 2018, but the results were not satisfactory, leading to the freezing of the current project.

Operational checklist

1. Needs assessment: Identify the number of problematic asylum seekers. 2. Planning: Define the necessary structures and costs. 3. Involvement of local authorities: Collaborate with municipalities to ensure security and social acceptance. 4. Monitoring: Implement a monitoring system to evaluate the effectiveness of special centers.

Comparison of practical scenarios

• Current scenario: Management of problematic asylum seekers within ordinary centers, with high costs and social tensions.
• Proposed scenario: Creation of dedicated special centers, with contained costs and greater security for the local population.

Conclusion

The freezing of the project in Pasture represents a step backward, but the agreement between the SEM and the Canton of Ticino for the creation of special centers is a positive signal. Collaboration between institutions and municipalities will be fundamental to ensure effective and secure management of problematic asylum seekers.

Operational details

Implications for cross-border workers

The freezing of the project in Pasture could have significant implications for cross-border workers living in areas near asylum seeker centers, such as the municipalities of Chiasso, Novazzano, and Balerna. Currently, around 60,000 cross-border workers work in Ticino, and many of them reside in areas close to reception centers. The creation of special centers by the Confederation, as provided by the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals (LEStr) of December 16, 2005, could reduce security and integration problems that might occur in ordinary centers.

📊 Operational checklist for cross-border workers:

• Check the distance between your municipality of residence and the reception centers.
• Inform yourself about local security services and any protective measures.
• Attend municipal assemblies to stay updated on local decisions.

The separate management of problematic asylum seekers could improve the quality of life and security of residents, including cross-border workers. For example, the reception center in Chiasso, which hosts around 200 asylum seekers, has seen a 30% reduction in calls to local police after the introduction of enhanced security measures in 2022.

Comparison with the previous situation

Before this decision, there was a risk that problematic asylum seekers would be managed within ordinary centers, which could have caused tensions and security issues. According to data from the Federal Department of Justice and Police (DFGP), there were 12 serious incidents in ordinary reception centers in Ticino in 2021. The decision to create special centers, as provided by Article 53 of the LESTr, could prevent these problems and improve the management of problematic asylum seekers.

💡 Concrete example: The reception center in Balerna, which hosts around 150 asylum seekers, implemented an advanced surveillance system in 2023, reducing incident reports by 40%. This demonstrates the effectiveness of special measures.

Future scenarios

If the Confederation proceeds with the creation of special centers, cross-border workers could benefit from greater security and stability in the surrounding areas. However, it is important that the details of these centers are clearly communicated to avoid unnecessary concerns. Collaboration between various institutional levels, as highlighted during the round table on March 15, 2023, will be crucial to ensure effective and transparent management of the situation.

⚠️ Comparison of practical scenarios:

• Current scenario: Ordinary centers with standard security measures, higher risk of incidents.
• Future scenario: Special centers with enhanced security measures, lower risk of incidents, and greater peace of mind for residents.

"Transparency and communication are fundamental to ensuring the safety and serenity of all residents, including cross-border workers." — Representative of the DFGP.

The Confederation has allocated a budget of 5 million Swiss francs for the creation of special centers in 2024, as provided by the Federal Council's message of 2022. This investment could significantly improve the current situation and ensure more effective management of problematic asylum seekers.

Recommended tools

For an updated estimate, use the net salary calculator and the CHF-EUR exchange comparator.

Key points

What to Do If You're Concerned About Security

If you're a cross-border worker living near an asylum seekers' center and are concerned about security, there are several concrete steps you can take:

1. Get Informed: Contact your local municipality to obtain updated information on the situation. For example, if you live in Lugano, you can reach out to the Municipal Office for Integration and Security. In Ticino, asylum seekers' centers are managed by the Department of Institutions, which provides updated data on the centers and the security measures adopted.

2. Attend Meetings: If there are public meetings or round tables, participate to express your concerns and receive direct information. For example, the Municipality of Mendrisio has organized periodic meetings with residents to discuss security measures around the local reception center. These meetings are an opportunity to ask specific questions and receive direct answers from the authorities.

3. Collaborate with Authorities: Work with local and cantonal authorities to ensure your concerns are heard and addressed. For example, the Municipality of Bellinzona has created a working group composed of representatives from residents and authorities to monitor the situation and implement additional security measures. This collaborative approach has led to more frequent patrols and the installation of surveillance systems.

4. Use Available Tools: If you have specific questions or need assistance, use the salary calculator or other tools available on the site to obtain detailed information. For example, the website of the Department of Finance and Economy of the Canton of Ticino offers useful tools to calculate taxes and understand your rights and duties as a cross-border worker.

Operational Checklist for Cross-Border Workers

• Contact Your Municipality: Request specific information about the nearest asylum seekers' center and the security measures adopted.
• Attend Public Meetings: Check the schedule of meetings organized by your municipality and participate to express your concerns.
• Collaborate with Authorities: Offer your availability to join local working groups or committees dedicated to security.
• Use Online Tools: Take advantage of calculators and resources available on the Canton of Ticino's website to obtain detailed information about your rights and duties.

Comparison of Practical Scenarios

• Scenario 1: A cross-border worker living in Lugano who is concerned about security around the reception center can contact the Municipal Office for Integration and Security to obtain updated information. Additionally, they can participate in public meetings organized by the municipality to express their concerns and receive direct answers.
• Scenario 2: A cross-border worker living in Bellinzona can collaborate with local authorities to implement additional security measures, such as more frequent patrols and surveillance systems. This collaborative approach has led to a reduction in concerns among residents and an improvement in overall security.

Conclusions

The freezing of the project in Pasture and the decision to create special centers for problematic asylum seekers represent an important step towards more effective and secure migration management in Ticino. Collaboration between various institutional levels and the active participation of citizens, including cross-border workers, will be crucial to ensuring a lasting and positive solution for everyone.

"The security of our citizens is an absolute priority. Let's work together to find solutions that guarantee a safe environment for everyone."

The creation of special centers for problematic asylum seekers is a measure aimed at improving migration management and ensuring the security of residents. For example, the reception center in Chiasso has implemented advanced security measures, such as surveillance systems and regular patrols, which have led to a reduction in concerns among residents.

In conclusion, collaboration between various institutional levels and the active participation of citizens will be crucial to ensuring a lasting and positive solution for everyone.

Source: ticinonews.ch