Protection from persecution / Asylum

The term refugee
A refugee is a person who in their native country or in the country of last residence is subject to serious disadvantages or has a well-founded fear of being exposed to serious disadvantages for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. Serious disadvantages are: threat to life, physical integrity or freedom as well as measures exerting an unbearable psychological pressure. Flight motives specific to women are taken into account (Article 3 Asylum Act).

Asylum law
In 1951, in response to the horrors of the Second World War, the international community of states concluded a protective convention in Switzerland: the Geneva Convention offered single persons and groups better protection against political repression, persecution, violence and racism. The core of the Convention defines who is to be considered a refugee with the right to claim protection from the Signatory States.

Asylum proceedings
The Asylum Procedure Directorate at the Federal Office for Migration is responsible for asylum proceedings. This office carries out a careful and individual examination of each asylum application. Manifestly abusive applications are dismissed. In the case of the other applications, the office has to examine whether the asylum claims are credible and – if so – whether the person in question fulfils the requirements for obtaining refugee status under the Asylum Act.

Assistance for asylum seekers
In Switzerland, the public welfare authorities (social assistance) support destitute asylum seekers, temporarily admitted persons, those in need of protection and those who have been granted refugee status. These persons receive subsistence level (welfare) benefits and are insured against sickness.