The Special Center of Asylum of Les Verrières is back in operation

The Neuchâtel facility, which has stricter exit regulations and enhanced security systems, is home to 21 highly problematic asylum seekers

The Special Asylum Centre in Les Verrières in the canton of Neuchâtel has been operational again for a month. First experiences show that the measure is conclusive.
So far, the placement of 21 asylum seekers who have withdrawn has led to a significant improvement in the living conditions and security at the other Federal Asylum Centres.
Optimal functioning is guaranteed thanks to closer supervision and experienced staff on site. Since reopening, there have been no incidents in or around the center.

12 Fatti riguardanti i Centri Federali d’Asilo

At the Special Asylum Center of Les Verrières, which reopened in mid-February, twenty problematic “asylum seekers” from other Federal Asylum Centers have been assigned so far.
Compared to other CFAs, Les Verrières has stricter rules regarding exits, and the presence of security and assistance personnel is more dense.
In Les Verrières only adult male asylum seekers are temporarily housed who have attracted the attention of the authorities through their unruly behavior.

Collaboration between SEM and local authorities

It was possible to reopen the center quickly and without difficulty. The SEM has been in close contact with the cantonal and local authorities to ensure that the reopening does not cause any problems for the neighbourhood. The center is functioning well and no particular disturbances are reported.

12 Facettes des Centres Fédéraux pour Requérants d’Asile

The vast majority of asylum seekers housed at Les Verrières perform various maintenance tasks, participate in employment programs and engage in sports activities.
Collaboration with the cantonal police authorities works very well, in particular through an intensive exchange of information. Asylum seekers who leave the center without registering are usually found quickly.

Positive effects on other Federal Asylum Centers

In the months leading up to the reopening, the police had to intervene several times in the CFAs due to incidents among asylum seekers. In January and February there were 52 such incidents, while in the same period last year there were only 29 reported cases.
There has also been more petty crime in the vicinity of the CFAs. The problems were particularly pronounced in the regions of French-speaking Switzerland (Perreux, Neuchâtel, and Giffers, Fribourg) and Northwestern Switzerland (Flumenthal, Solothurn).
The special center in Les Verrières now makes it possible to systematically remove recalcitrant asylum seekers who threaten the security of the SWR and disturb public order from their environment.

12 Fakten zu den Bundesasylzentren

This measure has greatly contributed to improving the day-to-day cohabitation of asylum seekers in Federal Asylum Centers and increasing the sense of security for staff and other applicants.
The reopening of the special center makes it possible to reduce the number of incidents in and around the other CFAs. As a result, it has already been possible to relax some of the security measures that had been taken as a complementary measure to deal with the problematic situation.
In Giffers, Canton Fribourg, for example, it was possible to abolish a security patrol in the vicinity of the center.