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Switzerland, Decolonisation, and Migration: The Case of the Association of Swiss Despoiled of Algeria or Overseas Possessions

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Switzerland and Migration

Part of the book series: Palgrave Studies in Migration History ((PSMH))

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Abstract

Vast out-migration accompanied decolonisation in Africa, with a huge impact throughout Europe. The multi-century flow of Europeans to Africa reversed as European expatriate communities returned to Europe. This migration affected every European country, including Switzerland, although it was never a colonial power. The chapter aims to shed light on Switzerland’s role in decolonisation by looking at the Swiss community in Algeria, focusing on the Association of Swiss Despoiled of Algeria or Overseas Possessions. This organisation was established in 1967, five years after Algerian independence, in order to seek compensation for the loss of property in Algeria and pensions due for years working overseas. The postcolonial Swiss migration represents a good example of the country’s refusal to face its implications in the colonial project.

This article is part of research project, ‘Suisse et décolonisation. Le cas de l’Association des Suisses spoliés d’Algérie ou d’outre-mer (ASSAOM)’ funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (no. 165585; 2016–2019), and directed by Sandro Cattacin (University of Genève) and Stéfanie Prezioso (University of Lausanne).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

    Marisa Fois

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  1. Marisa Fois
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. History Department, University of Cologne , Cologne, Germany

    Barbara Lüthi

  2. Department of Contemporary History, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland

    Damir Skenderovic

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Fois, M. (2019). Switzerland, Decolonisation, and Migration: The Case of the Association of Swiss Despoiled of Algeria or Overseas Possessions. In: Lüthi, B., Skenderovic, D. (eds) Switzerland and Migration. Palgrave Studies in Migration History. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-94247-6_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-94247-6_13

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