Canton Geneva is outlining its plan on how it will house a predicted 15,000 Ukrainian refugees.
Some have already started to arrive. There are a few hundred beds available using existing charities, such as the General Hospice and the Salvation Army – but that won’t be enough.
The canton is now looking at taking over some hotels, using warehouses and other large structures.
All those arriving will be entitled to a permit which will allow them to live and work for up to 5 years.
They will be given health insurance – which will also cover psychiatric support.
It’s expected many children will be arriving, so extra classes are being considered and hiring more teachers. French classes will also be set up.
The canton is also appealing for volunteers to help with the arrivals.
But refugees will not be housed in civil defence nuclear fallout shelters. They’re not really considered suitable for mainly woman and children – and they may be needed, says the cantonal minister Mauro Poggia – although he stressed the risk is small.
As Ukrainians are free to enter Switzerland visa-free – arrivals are urged to make themselves known to the authorities so they can be helped.
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