Swiss perspectives in 10 languages

Non-EU foreign worker quotas unchanged for 2020

Work permit
The number of work permits issued for non-EU workers has been a source of contention in recent years. Keystone

Switzerland will issue 8,500 work visas to non-EU citizens next year – the same number as in 2019. The Swiss government also confirmed an earlier decision that 3,500 British workers will be welcomed in the event of a no-deal Brexit situation.

Next year Swiss companies will be able to draw on 4,500 B-permitsExternal link for so-called “third country” employees they mean to hire for at least one year. In addition, 4,000 L-permitsExternal link will be made available for short-term contracts lasting between three and 12 months.

Should Britain leave the European Union without negotiating a formal Brexit deal, Switzerland will provide 2,100 B-permits and 1,400 L-permits for British workers. This deal had already been announced earlier this year.

On Wednesday, the Swiss government also retained the same limits for EU and EFTA service providers operating in Switzerland. “In 2020, 3,000 units will be available for short stays (L) and 500 for [longer] stays (B),” read a statementExternal link.

The issue of limiting the number of non-EU workers has proved contentious in recent years. The annual number of permits was reduced to 6,500 following a 2014 referendum to curb the rate of immigration. This provoked protest from three cantons that are home to a large proportion of foreign firms.

The government responded by raising permit quotas back to their pre-referendum level of 8,500.

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

News

These changes will come into force in Switzerland on February 1

More

Legal changes coming into force in Switzerland on February 1

This content was published on Preventive regulation of the wolf population, rules for the import of dog puppies and higher minimum wages in the hospitality industry. On February 1, changes to laws and ordinances as well as other innovations come into force in Switzerland. Here is an overview:

Read more: Legal changes coming into force in Switzerland on February 1
An award-winning documentary at the Solothurn Film Festival

More

An award-winning documentary at the Solothurn Film Festival

This content was published on Eleonora Camizzi's documentary "Bilder im Kopf" (Images in Mind) won the Prix Visioni at the Solothurn Film Festival on Saturday evening. The prize, worth 20,000 Swiss francs, is one of three major awards at the film festival.

Read more: An award-winning documentary at the Solothurn Film Festival
Liberal Greens join launch initiative on parental leave

More

Liberal Greens join launch of initiative on parental leave

This content was published on The Liberal Greens (PVL) together with an alliance of representatives from economic, social and political circles are launching an initiative for an 18-week "family leave." This was decided today by delegates meeting in Thun (BE).

Read more: Liberal Greens join launch of initiative on parental leave
GE: over 2000 people at pro-Palestine march

More

Palestinian solidarity demonstration draws 2,000 people in Geneva

This content was published on About 2,200 people took to the streets in Geneva today to show solidarity with the Palestinian poopolo and to denounce Swiss policy in the Middle East. The demonstration had been called by the BDS ("boycott, désinvestissement et sanctions") organization.

Read more: Palestinian solidarity demonstration draws 2,000 people in Geneva
The 13th edition of Art Genève takes over Palexpo from Thursday

More

The 13th edition of Art Genève takes over Palexpo from Thursday

This content was published on The 13th edition of Art Genève takes place at Palexpo from Thursday to Sunday. A total of 81 international modern and contemporary art galleries will be exhibiting their works. Also on show: 22 institutional projects.

Read more: The 13th edition of Art Genève takes over Palexpo from Thursday
Balloon festival in Château d'Oex (VD): first day cancelled

More

First day of balloon festival in Château d’Oex cancelled

This content was published on The first day of the International Balloon Festival in Château-d'Oex (VD) has been cancelled due to wind, organizers announced on Saturday. However, entertainment and captive flights will continue.

Read more: First day of balloon festival in Château d’Oex cancelled

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR