Every year around 11,000 people apply for asylum in Switzerland. The first challenge many face is learning the local language. The next is finding a job or getting an education. Poor language proficiency and cantonal labour market restrictions are the main reasons why refugees don’t work, according to various studies. The employment rate among refugees […]
The one in ten Swiss who live abroad
With all of the hot politics surrounding immigration it is easy to lose sight of those moving abroad. Among Swiss citizens, one in ten lives abroad. In 2018, 10.7% of the Swiss population was living in another country. Of the 760,200 Swiss living outside Switzerland, more than 62% were living in Europe. France (197,400) had […]
Switzerland set to strip Swiss jihadists of nationality
So far Switzerland’s government has not stripped any jihadists of Swiss nationality. However, various reports suggest the government is set to do so. One case is currently being looked at, with others set to follow, according to Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter who was questioned by parliament. The process starts by ensuring those involved have another […]
How Swiss view foreigners
A survey published by Switzerland’s Federal Statistical Office in February 2019 shows how Swiss regard the role and attitude of foreigners towards Swiss institutions. Foreigners are considered by most (64%) as necessary for the proper functioning of the economy and needed to finance social security. It is also felt they do work others won’t do […]
Few grandchildren of immigrants applying for fast track Swiss citizenship
One year after simplified naturalisation was offered to the grand children of immigrants to Switzerland, few have taken up the offer, according to the broadcaster RTS. This right was granted after a successful referendum on the subject on 12 February 2017. 60.4% of voters were in favour of the plan, which came into effect in […]
Brexit deal with Switzerland now signed
On 25 February, representatives of Switzerland and the United Kingdom signed an agreement preserving the rights already acquired by citizens residing in the other’s territory after the UK leaves the EU. Any rights already acquired by a citizen of either country under current EU rules will be preserved for life. The agreement was signed by […]
Mistrust of Islam nearly three times higher than negative views of muslims
A recent survey in Switzerland shows mistrust of Islam is close to three times more prevalent than negative views of muslims. Every two years, Switzerland’s Federal Statistical Office compiles a survey of attitudes towards people of different race, religion and nationality. The survey entitled: living together in Switzerland, asks a wide range of questions covering […]
Percentage in Geneva who are only Swiss shrinks to nearly a third
Recent figures from the canton’s statistical office show the percentage of residents 15 or older holding Swiss citizenship along with one or more other nationalities has grown to 27%. Only 36% of the population are Swiss only. The remaining 37% of residents are foreign nationals without Swiss citizenship. The figures, which take the averages over […]
Woman who joined Islamic State wants to return to Switzerland
A woman from Lausanne, who joined the so-called Islamic State, wants to return to Switzerland, according to the Swiss broadcaster RTS. The woman, currently held in a prison camp in Syria, joined the organization four years ago with her husband. Switzerland’s government has not yet decided whether the woman and her one and a half […]
Switzerland to allow UK citizens to come to work in Switzerland after Brexit
Yesterday, Switzerland’s Federal Council decided that it would continue to allow UK citizens to come to work in Switzerland after 30 March 2019 in the event of a no-deal Brexit. A government press release stated there would be a separate quota of permits available to UK citizens. The temporary quota would allow 3,500 UK citizens […]
