Politics Unequal treatment of Swiss nationals with regard to family reunification should remain

The Council of States does not want to eliminate discrimination against Swiss nationals when it comes to family reunification from third countries. On Tuesday, it did not accept the National Council's proposals in this regard. The majority believes that the impact of the bill cannot be assessed.

The small chamber reached its decision by 27 votes to 14, with two abstentions. The responsible committee had already requested that the bill be rejected, with a casting vote by President Daniel Fässler (center/AI). Now it is the National Council's turn again.

Swiss citizens are not treated the same as citizens of EU and EFTA states when it comes to parents and adult children up to the age of 21 from third countries joining them. A draft law adopted by the National Council in summer 2024 aims to eliminate this unequal treatment.

The majority found that it was impossible to estimate how many people would come to Switzerland as a result of the planned change to the law. For the minority, however, there is no justification for discriminating against Swiss nationals.

SDA