Immigration will be a big topic of debate in Switzerland in 2026.
The 'No to 10 million' anti-immigration initiative from the hard-right Swiss People's Party is gaining momentum ahead of a vote that will take place later in the year, and the latest polls suggest it has strong support among the Swiss population.
We asked readers of The Local, many of them themselves immigrants in Switzerland, what they thought of the idea and whether they were concerned about it.
Close call
When asked to vote on whether they were concerned by the 'no to 10 million' initiative, readers were fairly split.
In The Local's own internal poll, 52.94 of respondents percent voted that they weren't concerned, compared to 47.06 percent who said they were.
The comments in the survey also provided insight into the range of opinions held by readers living in Switzerland.
Some were supportive or understanding of the vote and the idea behind it.
'We don’t want immigration to be out of control'
Sebastian, a Mexican migrant living in Geneva, noted that "immigration is only good when good people contribute positively to the country".
Another reader, Carlos, said that "it’s natural to want to restrict the size of the country," adding, "I personally agree" with the idea.
CM, a 33 year old reader, said they thought the measure was "amazing! I don’t want more immigration in my country and more people who don’t speak the national languages… We don’t want immigration to be out of control, putting pressure on our national infrastructure and way of life," they added.
Julia, from Sursee, felt that "borders must close, too many people coming in and Switzerland [is] not handling integration at all".
Some weren't overly concerned about the vote, putting their faith in the Swiss electorate: "Swiss voters have been historically rational in their choices," said one anonymous reader.
Another commenter noted that immigration should be on a skills or need bases. "I'm only concerned [that] the vote won't get through," said Petar. "Skilled immigrants are still welcome."
'It would be a catalyst for open hatred of foreigners'
Many respondents weren't supportive of the idea, however, and feared for the future.
AW, from the canton of Vaud, described the initiative as "unnecessary noise," adding that "it's impossible to cap the population numbers below 10 million - as this vote would inherently trample on the rights and freedoms of the native Swiss, the naturalized Swiss and foreigners (to, for example, give birth).
"Any attempts to cap the Swiss population number is tantamount to a rogue state that seeks to control people's rights and freedoms. A vote in this direction will be destructive for everyone. It would be a catalyst for open hatred of foreigners in Switzerland. The Swiss economy and reputation would be irreparably damaged."
Lee, from Zurich, said that "I just feel it is unfair to consider us, 'Ausländer', as an enemy, which SVP always does".
Sahil, an Indian migrant in Geneva, said he understands concerns about immigration but doesn't see a hard limit as necessary. "We think immigration, diversity, different cultures are part of what Swiss culture is about," he said. "While I understand the concerns, I think they can easily be addressed with the right solutions, instead of placing a limit".
Joe, an American national living in Basel, felt that anti-migrant sentiment already existed in Switzerland. "The Swiss already don’t like us being here," he said.
Some readers were concerned the referendum could affect their rights in Switzerland.
Ayush, 37, from India, said: "I myself am an immigrant. But I am working here as a responsible resident. I obey all the rules. And I don't want my right to work and stay here to be affected" by the vote.
Eva, 42 years old, from Greece, living in Zurich, said she "wonder[s] how it might affect me to get my permit C and later a passport. It might also affect companies finding [an] appropriate workforce."
Maria, resident in Möhlin, explained that "there seems to be a far-right movement sweeping over from the US to Europe, with a lot of discretionary ideology and sentiment gaining more and more popularity - this is worrisome as in its root are hate and violence. Switzerland should know better!"
What exactly is Switzerland's 'No to 10 million' vote?
The ‘No to Switzerland of 10 million people’ push calls for the Federal Council and parliament to stop the influx of foreigners when the permanent resident population exceeds 9.5 million (it currently exceeds 9 million).
The populist Swiss People’s Party (SVP) has gathered 114,600 signatures (more than the 100,000 required) to the Federal Chancellery, demanding a national vote on curbing immigration.
It could have major repercussions if it passes. For example, Bern would have to terminate the agreement on the free movement of people with the EU.
What does the party want?
The SVP wants to stem the continuing influx of foreigners into Switzerland because, according to the party, they have caused Switzerland's population to exceed 9 million people in 2023.
The proposal calls for the constitution to include a new amendment guaranteeing “sustainable demographic development” — that is, stipulating that Switzerland’s population must not exceed 10 million people before 2050.
While admitting on its website that "the Swiss economy has always been dependent on foreign labour,” the SVP says nevertheless that "Switzerland has experienced a real demographic explosion due to uncontrolled immigration: at the current rate, the bar of 10 million inhabitants will be crossed in a few years already."
READ ALSO: Why the Swiss anti-immigration vote is a 'threat to anyone working in Switzerland'
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