Switzerland makes it easier to issue residence and work permits for skilled workers from third countries
Led by an increased need for a skilled workforce, the Swiss government introduced three measures to ease the process for third-country nationals to become workers and residents in Switzerland, which had a GDP per capita of €86,130 in 2021.
According to a press release from the Federal Council, the first measure aims to simplify the administrative hurdles for skilled workers when applying for a Swiss work permit. As part of these changes, applications in industries with severe skills shortages will not be assessed on a case-by-case basis if the country has a higher need for workers, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
In addition, the other measure enables holders of a residence permit to switch from employed to self-employed employment. In addition, according to the third measure taken by the Swiss authorities, people in qualified professions with a proven shortage of skilled workers should also be able to obtain a residence permit, even if they have no academic training. Previously, this was only possible for people with special expertise.
While some measures will take effect immediately, some will be examined as directed by the Council. As a rule, the changes will be made by the end of 2022 and will be implemented in areas with a proven shortage of skilled workers.
“This consultation has shown that the current system is not being fundamentally challenged. However, selective optimisations are desired in order to further increase the certainty of expectations for the economy in the medium term and to simplify processes. Therefore, the report proposes possible adjustments that meet both the concerns of various stakeholders and the constitutional mandate in relation to immigration management.” reveals the Council’s press release and also points out that immigration should remain socially acceptable.
Earlier, the Swiss government had made strong statements on migration and announced that it would leave the Schengen area, the passport-free space for movement.
Last month, Swiss Federal Councilor Karin Keller-Sutter warned that her government could leave the region if the Swiss people voted against strengthening the EU border agency Frontex in a referendum in May.
“If Frontex says no, it is clear that we have to leave the Schengen-Dublin area. A refusal to strengthen Frontex would indeed lead to an almost inevitable exit of Switzerland from the agency.” Councilor Keller-Sutter said.
The country has funded Frontex contributions since 2009, but the EU has doubled the agency’s budget from €364 million in 2020 to €754 million in 2022.