After Ceuta and Melilla, border controls (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• Tens of thousands of migrants have crossed the border into the Schengen area.
• The incident is fueling political debate, even in Switzerland.
• The Federal Council must introduce systematic border controls.

Key facts

• What: Massive influx of migrants into the Schengen area.
• When: Thursday, March 17, 2023.
• Where: Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, North Africa.
• Who: Swiss Federal Council, Spanish Guardia Civil.
• Amount: Around 49,000 arrivals in Ceuta and hundreds in Melilla.

The Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla in North Africa are under pressure from a massive influx of migrants. On Thursday, thousands of people reached Ceuta by swimming or walking from Morocco, thus entering the Schengen area, which also includes Switzerland. On Friday, the Spanish Guardia Civil reported 49,000 arrivals, not counting the hundreds of migrants who entered Melilla. The government has sent the army for support.

The causes are not yet fully clear. There is talk of a decision by the Spanish Supreme Court that migrants attempting to reach Ceuta or Melilla by swimming cannot be turned back without further reasons. There is also speculation about a possible deliberate easing of controls by Morocco.

In Switzerland, the events in North Africa are sparking very different reactions politically.

"No one should risk their life to be protected"

Socialist National Councillor Michelle Dünki-Bättig speaks of shocking images: "People are trying to swim to a European border and dying in the attempt." She argues that the army and fences do not solve the problem; instead, they make escape routes even more dangerous. Europe needs safe and legal access routes and an effective sea rescue system.

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Operational details

Practical analysis: implications for Switzerland

The events in Ceuta and Melilla have reopened the debate on border management and immigration in Switzerland. The need for systematic border controls has been raised by several political parties, including the People's Party, which is calling for immediate measures to avoid "illegal mass migration".

Socialist National Councillor Michelle Dünki-Bättig, on the other hand, argues that Europe needs safe and legal access routes and an effective rescue system at sea. It calls for the reintroduction of asylum in embassies, which was abolished in 2012, to allow people to apply for asylum with a Swiss representation abroad.

National Councillor of the Swiss Evangelical Party (ENP) Marc Jost proposes a two-pillar model, inspired by Swiss migration partnerships. Firstly, we need a binding readmission agreement for people without a right of residence. Secondly, EU funds should be used for concrete projects that create job and training opportunities.

Implications for cross-border commuters

For cross-border commuters, the situation in Ceuta and Melilla could have direct implications. The reintroduction of asylum in embassies could make it easier for those in emergency situations to apply for asylum. However, systematic border controls could make it more difficult to cross between the two countries.

What to do in Switzerland

If you are a cross-border commuter or a Swiss citizen who is interested in the migration situation and the implications for Switzerland, it is important to find out about the measures taken by the Federal Council and political parties. You can follow the news and political debates to better understand the positions of the various parties and the proposals for solutions.

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Key points

Action: what to do in Switzerland

If you are a cross-border commuter or a Swiss citizen who is interested in the migration situation and the implications for Switzerland, it is important to find out about the measures taken by the Federal Council and political parties. You can follow the news and political debates to better understand the positions of the various parties and the proposals for solutions.

Also, if you want to contribute to the discussion or express your opinion, you can attend public events or write to your political representatives to make your voice heard.

Useful tools

To learn more about the migration situation and the implications for Switzerland, you can use the following tools:

• Calcolatore stipendio: To calculate your net salary and better understand the tax implications.
• Comparatore cambio valuta: to monitor fluctuations in the CHF/EUR exchange rate and better understand the economic impact.
• Guida alla dichiarazione delle imposte: to better understand tax procedures and the implications for cross-border commuters.

Source: tio.ch