World Immigration News

(The Edge Malaysia)Swiss divided as anti-immigration population cap vote nears

Release Date: 2026-05-25
Media: The Edge Malaysia
Summary: Switzerland will hold a referendum on June 14 on a proposal to cap the population at 10 million by 2050. The initiative, led by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP), argues that mass immigration has caused housing shortages, rising rents, traffic congestion, pressure on healthcare, and increased crime. Supporters want stricter immigration controls and measures to limit asylum and family reunification.

The Swiss government, Parliament, and most political parties oppose the proposal, warning that it could force Switzerland to terminate its free movement agreement with the European Union. Critics argue this would damage access to the EU single market, weaken cooperation on security and asylum, and worsen labour shortages in key sectors such as construction and hospitality.

Foreigners currently make up 27.4% of Switzerland’s population, and many industries rely heavily on foreign workers. Opinion polls show the country is deeply divided, with stronger support for immigration restrictions in German-speaking regions and stronger support for EU ties in French-speaking areas.
Tags: Switzerland

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