Swiss-UK deal to grant consultants privileged mutual access
Switzerland and Britain have agreed on the free movement of service providers, such as management consultants and IT specialists, after the transition period between Britain and the EU ends on December 31.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/mga
The ‘Services Mobility Agreement’ will allow such specialists to travel to each other’s countries for limited periods of time. The treaty is expected to be signed by ministers from both countries on December 14.
Britain officially left the European Union on January 31, 2020, beginning an 11-month transition period during which the two sides were to negotiate their future relationship.
This year, some 3,800 British service providers registered with the Swiss authorities. “The agreement thus allows the Swiss economy to continue to use short-term services from companies in the UK in a timely manner,” read a press release.
Britain has also loosened up its measures for Swiss service providers, allowing them to stay for a maximum period of 12 months in any two-year period. Britain has also pledged to review which qualifications are required to take Switzerland’s vocational educational schemes into account.
Swiss service providers will get preferential treatment, so they would not have to prove English language proficiency and would be exempt from an economic needs test for these sectors.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
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.
Read more
More
Non-EU foreign worker quotas unchanged for 2020
This content was published on
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…
Switzerland formalises post-Brexit trade agreement with the UK
This content was published on
The two countries have signed a post-Brexit trade deal that would cover most of the existing agreements that govern relations with the EU.
Brits to keep access to Swiss labour market in case of no deal
This content was published on
The Swiss government has approved a temporary agreement with Britain on access to the Swiss labour market in case of a hard Brexit.
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.