Questions linked to multiple nationalities are not just specific to Switzerland, are they?
No. And it is also important to highlight that these questions are sometimes brought up with an ulterior motive. For example, when a person is arbitrarily incarcerated in order to put pressure on the authorities of their country of origin. This is akin to a hostage situation, and I find it unacceptable. I personally participated in a virtual ministerial conference organised by Canada last February in order to launch an international initiative against the arbitrary detention of foreign citizens, notably those with multiple nationalities.
Has the FDFA’s Travel Admin app played a key role in handling the coronavirus crisis?
This application, launched in 2019, indeed proved to be very useful last spring, both for informing us of our citizens stranded abroad and for supporting and locating them. Suggestions made by users have enabled us to identify certain points for improvement. These improvements have already been integrated in the new version of the app, for example the possibility of updating travel information.
On that subject, are you also working to modernise the channels of communication with the “Fifth Switzerland”?
Travel Admin is also for the Swiss Abroad when they are travelling or on holiday. In this sense, we have already taken an important step for them, too. Another success was the virtual celebration of 1 August, which saw great popularity in a number of countries. That said, I share your view about the importance of ensuring a modern and efficient means of communication, both between and with the Swiss Abroad. I have mandated the Consular Directorate to create a specific mobile interface, for example an app, in order to facilitate contact and information exchange. This application should become available in 2022.
To close, do you have anything to add on the importance of the Swiss Abroad in Switzerland’s bilateral relations?
The defence of the interests of Swiss citizens, wherever they live, represents one of the fundamental aspects of the Confederation’s work. I can assure you that this dimension is taken into account during our international negotiations. A recent example is the “Mind the gap” policy. This strategy enabled us to assure the continuity of our relationship with the United Kingdom, despite Brexit, in particular for the Swiss Abroad.
Comments
Comments :
Liebe Schweizerinnen und Schweizer, mit diesem Brief will ich einfach meinen Dank an die Schweiz aussprechen!
Merci pour cet interview, mais je suis déçue que vous n'ayez pas interrogé Monsieur Cassis sur le traitement discriminatoire des banques suisses vis-à-vis des citoyens suisses résidant aux USA. Cela reste un gros problème que le Conseil fédéral devrait aider à régler.