Senate puts brake on Foreigners Law

The government wants to make it easier for people from non-EU and non-EFTA countries to obtain a work permit if they have a Swiss qualification at a higher level of education. © Keystone / Christian Beutler

The relaxation of Switzerland’s Foreigners and Integration Law, which has been approved in principle by parliament, is once again in limbo. The Senate has changed its opinion on the bill and wants to send it back to the government for revision.

As recently as June the Senate had supported the bill, which is intended to contribute to the fight against the shortage of skilled workers. The House of Representatives had already approved it in March.

+ Swiss industry faces record shortage of skilled workers

With this bill, the government wants to make it easier for people from non-EU and non-EFTA countries to obtain a work permit if they have a Swiss qualification at a higher level of education. These people must work in an industry with a shortage of skilled workers.

+ More immigration needed to help stave off Swiss worker shortage, experts warn

Their gainful employment must also be of “high scientific or economic interest” for Switzerland. In the Senate, however, politicians who said the bill did not conform with the constitution prevailed. On Tuesday, it approved the motion to reject the bill, which now goes back to the House of Representatives.

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