The Senate followed the House of Representatives and called on the government to present a draft law.
During the debate on Wednesday, opponents argued such a policy would encourage illegal immigration defying recommendations by the justice minister Karin Keller-Sutter and a parliamentary committee.
Supporters, notably from left-wing parties, said a more liberal policy would help a handful of highly motivated young people.
Between 2013 and 2020 Switzerland temporarily opened apprenticeships to irregular migrants under strict conditions, but only about 60 people benefited from the scheme.
As a result of the latest decision, the government now has to submit a draft law to parliament.
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Work permit in Switzerland
Obtaining a permit to work in Switzerland depends on many factors, including where you are from, the skills you have and quotas.
Swiss summit divides: neutrality under fire amid Ukraine conference
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Leading figures in the Swiss Peoples' Party have argued Switzerland should not have hosted this weekend's summit without Russia.
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Art dealers, collectors, and gallery owners from around the world wrapped up several multi-million-dollar deals at Art Basel.
Zelensky wants to ‘make history’ at Swiss peace summit
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While Swiss President Viola Amherd spoke of modest objectives at the two-day Summit on Peace in Ukraine, her Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky was more proactive, saying he wanted to make history.
US announces $1.5 billion aid for Ukraine at Swiss peace summit
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US Vice President Kamala Harris has announced more than $1.5 billion in aid in part for Ukraine’s energy sector and its humanitarian situation.
Zurich Pride: Nemo plays first gig since Eurovision triumph
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Swiss singer Nemo performed on Friday night at Zurich’s Pride Festival. It was the artist’s first concert since winning the Eurovision Song Contest last month.
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Geneva pilot project regularises over 1,000 illegal immigrants
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A total of 1,093 illegal immigrants have been regularised under the “Papyrus” pilot project launched a year ago in Geneva.
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Some 76,000 illegal and undocumented immigrants live in Switzerland. In 2015, Geneva launched a pilot project to go about regularising them.
Apprenticeships and their social status – your views
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We asked readers whether apprenticeships were considered a good option in their home countries. Some were positive, others said “not always”.
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Like many refugees in Switzerland, Solomon Aklilu hasn’t got a job. But thanks to a government program, he can now do an internship and attend school.
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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.