Politics · Switzerland · 12 hrs ago
Appenzell Ausserrhoden asked whether it will require criminal-record checks
Three lawmakers in the Swiss canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden have asked the cantonal government whether it will routinely request criminal-record extracts from EU citizens seeking residence permits.
Their questions follow a decision by neighbouring St. Gallen to prepare a law allowing such checks.
The debate gained momentum after a February 2026 drug raid in the Misox region of Graubünden led to seven arrests.
One suspect, who had a criminal record, had been refused a residence permit in Ticino but later received one in Graubünden.
Ticino requires a criminal-record extract for this type of permit, while Graubünden does not.
The lawmakers fear that people with criminal records could seek permits in cantons with fewer checks, including Appenzell Ausserrhoden.
The government has not yet answered; it is also being asked how often its migration office already requests records when there is a specific reason for concern.
Three Appenzell Ausserrhoden legislators have asked the cantonal government whether it plans to require criminal-record extracts from EU citizens applying for residence permits.
They want to know whether the canton will create its own legal basis for systematic checks or wait for federal legislation.
The legislators say a recent decision in St. Gallen to prepare such a rule increases pressure on Appenzell Ausserrhoden to act.
They fear the canton could become an alternative destination for people with criminal records.
The cantonal government has not yet answered the questions.
- Who
- Cantonal legislators Sandra Weiler, Werner Giezendanner and Anick Reto Volger asked the questions.
- What
- They asked whether Appenzell Ausserrhoden will establish a legal basis for criminal-record checks on EU citizens applying for residence permits.
- When
- The interpellation was launched a few days before the article was published on October 12, 2026.
- Where
- Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Switzerland.
- Why
- The legislators say St. Gallen’s planned change could make Appenzell Ausserrhoden an attractive alternative for applicants with criminal records.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Seven people were arrested in an international drug raid in the Misox region of Graubünden.
The St. Gallen cantonal council approved a motion requiring the government to prepare a legal change allowing criminal-record extracts to be requested from EU citizens applying for residence permits.
Three Appenzell Ausserrhoden legislators launched an interpellation asking the cantonal government about possible criminal-record checks.
Watson reported that the cantonal government had not yet answered the interpellation.
- Interpellants
- Sandra Weiler, Werner Giezendanner and Anick Reto Volger
- St. Gallen decision
- Motion approved in mid-September 2026
- Misox arrests
- Seven people arrested in late February 2026
- Appenzell Ausserrhoden government response
- Not yet given as of October 12, 2026
What people are saying
The motion passed just outside our doorstep significantly increases the pressure on the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden to act.
an attractive alternative destination for people with a criminal past
Sources
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