South Asian, general in Switzerland

People Name:	South Asian, general
Country:	Switzerland
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	77,000
World Population:	12,145,500
Primary Language:	Sinhala
Primary Religion:	Buddhism
Christian Adherents:	5.00 %
Evangelicals:	1.50 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The first South Asians came to Switzerland as students and people wanting self-government in their countries. The numerous Tamils came to Switzerland from 1983 to 1989 as the Sri Lankan civil war began. They have permanent residence and are not depending on state benefits anymore. Those who came after 1989 have not been able to integrate as well financially as the first group, and they do not have permanent residence.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Indians who are more financially well off come to Switzerland when they travel to Europe. Immigrants also have come to Switzerland from South Asia, and it has one of the largest percentages of Indians and Pakistanis in Europe. The number of Tamils is yet larger.

Most of the South Asians range from the 20 to about 40 years old. There is an increase in children below fourteen years old. The largest community is from Sri Lanka who are mainly Tamil Hindus.

There are a couple reasons Switzerland is home to so many Tamils. Tamils have been known to migrate through the years. There were Tamil students in Europe who helped the new immigrants. Larger migration began with families paying travelling expenses for their oldest sons. When they got work in Switzerland, they earned a lot more than in Sri Lanka. They sent money to their families in Sri Lanka. Transnational networks began. Sri Lankan and European based agents also helped them. Switzerland offered them work permits and social help and this encouraged more migration to the country. Today Switzerland is restricting the number of new Tamil migrants.

What Are Their Beliefs?

There are many Sikhs, Christians and Muslims among them, but most are either Hindu or Buddhist.

What Are Their Needs?

Like people everywhere, the South Asian people in Switzerland need to allow the loving Savior to direct their lives. They need his forgiveness for sin.

Prayer Points

Pray the South Asians in Switzerland will see they do not have to live in slavery to spirits if they put their trust in Jesus Christ.

Pray for the Lord to intervene in their families, calling people to his side and blessing them abundantly.

Pray for loving workers.

Pray for their hearts to be drawn to the Lord of lords.

Pray for a church planting movement to thrive in their communities.

Pray for spiritual hunger that will drive these Hindus to Jesus Christ.