If someone is visiting a foreign country, they are automatically subject to the laws of that country. I am not sure what country you are from so it's difficult to answer the Q accurately. But this is the general consensus. I have researched the Swiss Constitution and it seems pretty thorough, even in the case of your friend who has a right to file a petition no matter what his nationality. If you want anything in this world you have to fight for it. You can get farther by launching a letter campaign to have your case heard by the proper people with the authority to grant the rights you seek. Referance the following articles and include them in your letters and demand the fair treatment as in the Constitution, send them to representative who resides power over your province, if they can't or won't help you have them direct your letters to someone with the authority and power to see your will through. Article 37 Citizenships (1) A Swiss citizen is, who has the citizenship of a Municipality and the citizenship of the Canton. (2) No person may be granted a privilege or be disadvantaged because of his or her citizenship rights. Exempt are provisions regarding political rights in home communities [Bürgergemeinden] and corporations as well as rights to a share in their property as long as cantonal law does not provide otherwise. Article 41 [General Provisions] (1) The Federation and the Cantons, in addition to personal responsibility and private initiative, furthers the achievement that a) every person shares in social security; b) every person, for his or her health, receives the necessary care; c) families as communities of adults and children are protected and supported; d) workers can sustain their living through work under adequate conditions; e) people looking for housing can find for themselves and for their family adequate housing at acceptable conditions; f) children and youths as well as people of working age can further their education and training according to their abilities; g) children and youths are encouraged in their development to become independent and socially responsible persons and are supported in their social, cultural, and political integration. (2) The Federation and the Cantons are working towards the goal that every person is insured against the economic consequences of old age, disability, illness, accidents, unemployment, maternity, orphanhood, and widowhood. (3) They try to achieve the social goals within their constitutional competencies and with the resources available to them. (4) From social goals no direct claims to state subsidies may be derived. I hope I am accurate and I hope this helps, a rating would be kind of you.