legal and social conditions for asylum seekers and refugees in ...

SOCIAL CONDITIONS FOR REFUGEES
Housing
The cantons are responsible for the settlement of recognised refugees, unless they earn more
than the social minimum. In most cantons, refugees are accommodated in private homes.
Financial assistance
Under the new Asylum Law, the responsibility for social assistance and financial support to
recognised refugees has been transferred to the cantons.
Swiss citizens and recognised refugees are entitled to the same benefits. The amounts granted
vary depending on the cantons.
Immediately after they have been granted asylum, all refugees over 16 years of age receive a
single payment of CHF 3,250 [EUR 2,101] in order to attend language courses provided by
private organisations.
Integration programme
There is no integration programme as such. However, refugees may benefit from special
programmes designed to improve their integration into the labour market. These programmes,
which are generally set up on an individual basis, differ greatly depending on the cantons. Most of
them, however, are scheduled over a six-month period.
Freedom of movement/residence
Work
Refugees who have no income other than social benefits have no choice as to which canton they
are allocated. In principle, they are not allowed to move to another canton during the first five
years. This does not apply, however, if the canton where they wish to move agrees to accept
responsibility.
Refugees may take up employment and receive work permits without restrictions. They may also
participate to integration programmes designed to improve their access to work.
Access to the national health system
School
All refugees are insured against sickness and accident.
There is unrestricted access to the Swiss school system. Mother tongue tuition is generally not
available.
Swiss citizenship
No special provisions apply to refugees. A refugee who has been resident in Switzerland for at
least 12 years may apply for Swiss citizenship.
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Switzerland