The number of refugees in Switzerland who are dependent on financial assistance from the state increased by almost 10% in one year. However, the proportion of dependent refugees is on a decreasing trend.

According to figures released by the Federal Statistical Office on Thursday, 14,897 refugees benefited from state financial assistance in 2014, an increase of 9.8% over the previous year.

The proportion of refugees dependent on the state amounted to 81.2% compared with 81.9% in 2013 and 86% in 2012.

Eritreans constitute the largest group of dependents making up almost 55% of all beneficiaries. The dependency rate among them is 86.2%, surpassed only by Ethiopian refugees (86.9%).

Those with a provisional permit (F) constituted over a quarter of the beneficiaries and more men (52.8%) than women (47.2%) were dependent on state aid.

The prospects of refugees in the Swiss job market appear limited as almost 60% lack any kind of professional qualifications and the education level of around a third remains unknown.

swissinfo.ch and agencies