Foreign benefit claimants more likely to work

Wednesday, 25 October 2023 06:30

Foreigners are more likely to be in social assistance than Swiss nationals – but also more likely to have a job while claiming benefits.

Nearly 56% of benefits claimants are non-Swiss.

The figures are made up of these on B permits or the F provisional entry permit – the majority being refugees.

But 36% of foreign claimants are also working - albeit low paid and precarious – compared to 23% of Swiss nationals.

Non-Swiss claimants tend to have lower education levels – or their qualifications are not recognised in this country.

Immigration was one of the main themes of the elections.

The Swiss People’s Party says the election results show voters have had enough of the current migration policy.

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