Number of cross-border workers rises
A survey has found that there has been a sharp rise in the number of cross-border workers in Switzerland after access to the labour market was eased in June.
But it also showed that – despite fears to the contrary – the number of immigrants from the European Union did not rise significantly.
The number of immigrants increased by 7,700 between June and August of this year, according to a survey by the Swiss ats news agency, published on Monday.
Border regions also reported a rise in the number of foreign residents in these months.
The figure compares with 6,700 immigrants in 2002 and 7,000 in 2003.
But the authorities recorded a marked rise in the number of cross-border workers, people who come to work in Switzerland but continue to live in neighbouring countries.
The survey confirms findings published by the federal authorities in October.
Three times more
Geneva is top of the list with a three-fold increase in the number of cross-border workers between June and October. Nearly all of them come from European Union countries.
Other regions, including Basel, Ticino and Neuchâtel also reported markedly higher numbers of cross-border workers.
The Federal Office for Immigration, Integration and Emigration said it granted at total of 9,600 new permits for cross-border workers, and increase of 1,300 permits over the past two years.
An additional 37,000 cases of short-term contracts have been made between June and September. They are valid for up to 90 days but do not require an official permit.
Controversy
The rise in the number of foreign workers has led to widespread controversy over an increasing number of cases of wage dumping, notably in the construction and catering sectors in Switzerland.
Switzerland, which is not a member of the EU, has concluded a series of bilateral treaties on the free movement of people.
The country borders the four EU member states Germany, France, Italy and Austria.
Parliament is also set to endorse a government proposal to extend access to the Swiss labour market to the ten new EU member states.
However, trade unions and the rightwing People’s Party have threatened to challenge the accord to a nationwide vote.
swissinfo with agencies
7,700 people immigrated into Switzerland between June and August 2004 – an increase of 700 over the same period in 2003.
The number of cross-border workers soared to 9,600, up 1,300.
37,000 short-term work contracts with foreigners were registered between June and August.
Access to the Swiss labour market has been fully eased for EU citizens since 2004.
The regulation is part of the first set of bilateral treaties between Switzerland and 15 old EU member states.
Parliament is currently discussing plans to extend access to the Swiss labour market for the ten new EU member states.
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