More border guards sent to Ticino

Swiss Border Ticino (c) Francesco PIRANEO G

Switzerland is sending more border officers to Ticino in the expectation of more migrants arriving from Italy.

The Federal Office of Customs and Border Security says it’s re-deploying officers from German speaking regions to the southern border.

12,000 migrants have arrived on the Italian island of Lampedusa – the move is in expectation of many trying to either enter or cross this country. 

A state councillor for the Lega Ticinese, Norman Gobbi, says the expected arrival is not just a problem for Switzerland – but the whole of Europe. He claims two thirds of illegal entries into the country is through Ticino. 

His view is backed by the Swiss People’s Party which is also calling to mobilise the army to help secure the border.

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