The Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) presented its new Federal Asylum Centre in Altstätten, Canton St. Gallen, during a public open day ahead of its planned opening in early September 2026. The new facility, located on Luchsstrasse, has a capacity of 390 beds and provides 106 workspaces for staff involved in asylum procedures.
Speaking at the event, Federal Councillor Beat Jans stated that asylum management is a shared responsibility of the federal government, cantons, cities and municipalities, describing the centre as a place where human dignity can be put into practice. Cantonal and local representatives also highlighted the importance of cooperation between different levels of government and hoped that the new centre would contribute to faster asylum procedure and improved organisation in the asylum system.
Security services at the centre will be provided by Securitas AG, while accommodation and support services will be managed by Asyl-Organisation Zürich (AOZ). A public assistance hotline remains available for local residents.
- State Secretariat for Migration | Staatssekretariat für Migration | Secrétariat d’État aux migrations | Segreteria di Stato della migrazione (15 August, 2026), Le SEM ouvre un nouveau centre fédéral pour requérants d’asile à Altstätten [SEM opens new federal centre for asylum seekers in Altstätten],