Clocks Go Back: Switzerland Ends Daylight-Saving Time, Transport Operators Issue Travel Alerts
SWISS Deploys A350 on First Revenue Flight, Signalling New Era for Long-Haul Fleet
Geneva Airport and SBB Run Extra Night Trains for Autumn Holiday Peak, Including 24–25 October
Latest News
Switzerland Reopens Baghdad Embassy and Inaugurates New Mission in Kuwait, Expanding Consular Support for Swiss Nationals Abroad
On 25 October 2025, Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis inaugurated a new Swiss embassy in Kuwait and officially reopened the long-shuttered mission in Baghdad. The expanded network offers faster consular and visa services for Swiss citizens and companies in the Gulf and Iraq, supporting trade growth and humanitarian operations while signalling Switzerland’s commitment to regional stability.
Federal briefing highlights Switzerland’s decades-long resettlement tradition
A fact-sheet issued on 24 October recaps Switzerland’s long history of bringing the war-wounded and other vulnerable refugees to safety, noting over 5 000 resettled since 2013. The government frames these targeted admissions as a humanitarian obligation that co-exists with stricter controls on spontaneous asylum flows.
St Gallen simplifies work access for refugees with Protection Status S
St Gallen has replaced its work-permit requirement for holders of Protection Status S with a simple employer notification, effective 24 October. The move is designed to boost refugee labour participation and could become a template for other Swiss cantons, offering businesses quicker access to much-needed talent.
Switzerland airlifts injured Gaza children for treatment and asylum
Seven wounded children from Gaza and 27 accompanying relatives arrived in Switzerland on 24 October aboard Rega and Air-Force flights for urgent medical treatment. The federal-cantonal operation combines health care with an expedited asylum process, highlighting Switzerland’s humanitarian entry channels.
Consultation launched on cantonal financing for Gaza medical evacuees
Appenzell Ausserrhoden and St Gallen will cover any uncovered medical costs for two Gaza children flown to Switzerland on 24 October, drawing on lottery disaster-relief funds. The move could become a template for future humanitarian medical admissions.
Swiss government moves to restrict asylum-seekers’ foreign travel
The Federal Council has launched a consultation on an ordinance that would prohibit most asylum-seekers from leaving Switzerland, except in exceptional humanitarian cases. The move, unveiled on 24 October, seeks to close perceived loopholes and aligns Swiss practice with tougher travel restrictions elsewhere in Europe. Businesses will need to verify employees’ status before authorising travel, and mobility teams should prepare for stricter compliance checks.