Whether you are a new arrival, or have lived in Geneva for a while, knowing where to turn for support is essential. These groups can help you navigate the twists and turns of life in Switzerland’s most international region.
Geneva, where foreigners make up 41 percent of the population, has a network of organisations ready to help foreign residents going through a crisis, or merely needing some practical advice.
Where you can turn for support depends on the exact nature of your need.
For instance, the Cantonal Office for Migration, and especially its Foreigners Service Call Centre (022-546-4603) can handle general enquiries or direct you, if needed, to specific organisations.
Let’s start with integration help
As you probably know by now, this is a key requirement for any foreign national settling in Switzerland, and Geneva is no exception.
If you need help in this regard, the Bureau for the Integration of Foreigners, which develops, coordinates and finances projects that promote the integration, is a good contact.
Language courses
Another essential aspect of integration is proficiency in French.
This is all the more important if you have children attending school and need to hone your language skills in order to understand – and help them with – their curriculum, as well as communicate with their teachers.
To that end, the canton is offering French courses that are intended for foreign parents who have children enrolled in public schools.
A 40-franc registration fee will be charged for the 30-lesson course.
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What about professional integration?
An organisation called Genèveroule offers foreigners assistance with professional integration, as well as advice on training needed to achieve that goal.
Help with legal, social, and administrative issues
This is where the Swiss-Immigrant Contact Centre (CCSI) comes in.
It offers free and confidential group information sessions, in different languages, on topics such as Geneva’s healthcare, housing, school system, social insurances, and residence permits.
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Housing
If you have been living in Geneva for more than five minutes, you already know that finding a reasonably-priced apartment in the city or canton is very difficult.
But what happens if you already have accommodations, but are experiencing problems with your landlord or the company that manages the building?
Regardless of whether you are a foreigner or Swiss national, the tenants’ association, ASLOCA, will offer advice and possibly concrete help as well.
You must, however, be a member first.
Discrimination
If you are a victim of discrimination based on your nationality, race, colour, or religion, be it from your employer, co-workers, landlord, or any establishment, the C-ECR (Centre d’Ecoute contre le racisme) will help with free, confidential support.
Its services include psychological support, legal aid, mediation, and assistance with police complaints.
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Other resources
These two groups can help with legal aid, finance/debt counselling, mental health issues, professional integration, elderly support, and other services:
Centre Social Protestant (despite its name, this organisation “supports anyone in need, without distinction of nationality or religion).
Domestic violence
The canton has a 24/7 hotline for victims of abuse – 0840 110 110.
And this link has a complete list of cantonal resources for victims of sexual and other violence.
READ MORE: The helpful groups foreigners in Switzerland could join
