Swiss parliament backs motion to step up border checks

The Swiss upper house of parliament on Thursday backed a motion to intensify border controls in order to reduce illegal immigration and contain cross-border crime.

The proposal, which had already passed the lower house, urged the government to step up controls in the short and medium term, and be more vigorous in expelling people without a valid residence permit who do not apply for asylum.

It said steps taken by neighbouring countries should be taken into account, but warned against "systematic controls" of everyone entering Switzerland that could hurt the economy.

The Swiss initiative now passes to the federal cabinet to draw up corresponding legislation.

Neighbouring Germany in September reintroduced border checks as part of a tougher stance on migration and transnational crime, and in February extended the measures for six months.

On Wednesday, Austria ordered an immediate halt to family reunifications for asylum claimants, seeking to address concern about immigration that has stoked support for the far-right.