A law prohibiting the covering of faces in public places, known as the “burqa ban,” has come into effect in Switzerland. Violations of this law can be punished with a fine of up to 1.000 Swiss francs, equivalent to 1.064 euros.
The initiative against wearing burqas was approved by 51.2% of Swiss voters in March 2021. Exceptions to the law will include face coverings for security, weather, or health reasons, as well as for artistic and entertainment purposes or advertising.
As of January 1st, new rules have also come into force aligning Switzerland’s international inheritance law more closely with the European Union’s (EU) Succession Regulation.
Inheritance disputes often arise over jurisdiction between Switzerland and the rest of Europe, and the new law brings Switzerland closer to the EU.
As of yesterday, Switzerland, located in Central Europe, has also increased state pensions by 2.9%, explaining that the adjustment is necessary to keep pace with rising prices and wage trends.
Accordingly, the minimum state pension will rise from 1.225 to 1.260 Swiss francs per month, while the maximum pension will increase from 2.450 to 2.520 Swiss francs.
From January 1st, Swiss laws will also become more effective in combating child marriages.
Marriages conducted abroad involving minors will no longer be recognized if at least one of the spouses was a resident of Switzerland at the time the marriage was concluded.
Child marriages can now be annulled at the request of the authorities or the affected party until the person’s 25th birthday, whereas previously this was only possible until they turned 18.
The change in the law aims to prevent so-called “vacation marriages,” or child marriages conducted when families travel to another country where a lower minimum age for marriage may be permitted.
Furthermore, marriages will not be recognized in Switzerland unless both spouses are at least 16 years old.
