Switzerland will vote on Sunday on a proposal to cap its population at 10 million. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing BBC News.
The move is backed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party, which describes it as a "sustainability initiative" aimed at easing pressure on housing, public services and the environment.
The Swiss government, all other major parties, business leaders and trade unions have dubbed the proposal a "chaos initiative", arguing it will deprive hospitals and hotels of much needed staff, and damage relations with the European Union.
Switzerland's population has grown rapidly since 2002, when it stood at 7.3 million. Now it is 9.1 million, 27% of whom are foreign residents. Many voters are concerned by overcrowded trains, expensive apartments and rising health costs.
Latest opinion polls indicate a very close vote, with 52% opposed, 45% in favour, and a significant number still undecided.
The proposal says the population must not exceed 10 million before 2050, and orders the government to take measures once the figure of 9.5 million is reached. Such plans could include limiting asylum grants and ending family reunification rights for foreign workers.
If the 10 million cap were reached, international agreements including the EU's free movement of people would have to be terminated. This has alarmed Switzerland's business association Economiesuisse, as the EU is its most important trading partner.
Employers are worried about labour shortages and losing access to skilled workers. Half of all those who work in Switzerland's hotels are immigrants. Hospitals and care homes are also reliant on foreign workers.
Opponents point out that 20% of the Swiss population is now over 65. Young workers and taxpayers are required to staff and fund the needs of an ageing population – and Switzerland is not creating those young workers itself.
Social Democrat Jon Pult says his biggest fear about a population cap is being "alone in this unstable and dangerous world".