Irregularities in the issuing of visas: opening of disciplinary investigations and other measures
Berne, 18.05.2006 - The administrative investigation into irregularities in the visa department of the Swiss Embassy in Islamabad has now been completed. It revealed that the embassy was targeted by organised crime in Pakistan. However, the investigation produced no evidence that Swiss Embassy staff were guilty of criminal acts. It also found that the organisation of the visa section was inadequate in some respects and that regulations were not always complied with. This made it easy for some applicants to obtain visas under false pretences. In the light of these findings, the head of the DFA has decided to start three discipinary investigations. She also decided that all embassy staff, including the head of mission, should be replaced. The visa section will remain closed.
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), has been informed of the completion of the adminstrative investigations into irregularities in the visa department of the Swiss Embassy in Islamabad, which she ordered on 13 April 2006.
The purpose of the administrative investigation was to establish whether the visa-issuing section of the embassy was effectively organised. In particular it was assigned the task of discovering whether Swiss employees were involved in human smuggling. Two Pakistani employees of the embassy had previously been accused of such activities.
The main conclusions of the administrative investigation are as follows:
- the organisation of the visa department of the administrative section of the emabssy in Islamabad was inadequate. Because of a lack of clearly defined responsibilites in the visa section, there was an increased risk of employees improperly issuing visas;
- the head of administration neglected his supervisory and control duties;
- no evidence was found that the head of administration or other Swiss employees were involved in the underhand dealings of which the Pakistani authorities suspect local employees.
In the light of the investigation results, the head of the DFA has ordered three administrative investigations. They concern the head of administration, the current head of mission and his predecessor, who have overall responsibility for the management of the embassy during their period in office.
The head of the DFA has also ordered that for organisational reasons the entire staff of the Swiss Embassy in Islamabad is to be replaced. This measure is not an imputation of guilt. Its purpose is to make possible a complete overhaul of the visa section. It also takes account of the high degree of stress that the transferable staff in Islamabad have been subjected to in recent months.
For reasons of prevention, the entire staff of the Consulate General in Karachi will also be replaced and its organisation will be strengthened.
Investigations into the activities of criminal organisations in the visa area are continuing. Switzerland is cooperating with the competent investigating authorities in Pakistan. The Swiss Office of the State Prosecutor has been informed of the results of the administrative investigation. However, as there is not sufficient evidence of criminal actions by Swiss members of staff, it has not instituted preliminary inquiries.
Address for enquiries
Press and Information Service
Bundeshaus West
CH-3003 Berne
Tel.: (+41) 031 322 31 53
Fax: (+41) 031 324 90 47 / 48
Publisher
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html
