Retired couple has lived in Switzerland for 20 years – naturalization application nevertheless rejected
- Aline Wobker
Aline Wobker
Ronny van Unen and Saskia Scheltes have lived in Switzerland for two decades. Despite impeccable German language skills and no violations of the law, their application for naturalization was rejected – allegedly due to a lack of integration.
Ronny van Unen (72) and Saskia Scheltes (66) are originally from the Netherlands and have lived in Switzerland for 20 years, 15 of which in the municipality of Unteriberg in the canton of Schwyz. As the " Bote der Urschweiz " reports, they met all the formal criteria for naturalization : impeccable reputation, sufficient German language skills, and no legal issues. Nevertheless, their application was rejected.
Mayor Ruedi Keller (SVP), a member of the naturalization commission, told the "Boten" newspaper that the commission had gained the impression that the couple "did not truly identify with Switzerland." Both had demonstrated too few social contacts in Unteriberg, participated little in community life, and appeared insufficiently informed about current political issues in the community.
The couple sees the situation differently: Of the twelve questions posed, they answered only two incorrectly – for example, who represented the municipality in the Schwyz Cantonal Council. They refused to accept the rejection and continued their fight at a municipal meeting on April 24 – but again without success.
In a statement to the municipal assembly, van Unen and Scheltes reported on their commitment: Ronny van Unen is a member of the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) and a flying club, and he also regularly explores Switzerland as a pilot. Together, the couple restores antique Swiss watches, which they exhibit at various markets. Despite these activities, their application was again rejected.
Now Ronny van Unen and Saskia Scheltes could bring the case before the Schwyz Administrative Court. In Switzerland, naturalization applications are regularly scrutinized closely – obtaining a Swiss passport is considered particularly challenging.
- Visa and residence permit: Before you leave, you should thoroughly inform yourself about the visa regulations and residence permits of your destination country.
- Labor market and professional recognition: Check early on whether your qualifications are recognized and what the job prospects are in your industry in the new country.
- Language skills: Language preparation is crucial – language tests such as TOEFL or IELTS are often required to work or study.
- Living expenses: Create a realistic budget for rent, food, transportation, and insurance to avoid financial surprises.
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