Non EU work permits could be cut

Wednesday, 22 November 2023 06:30

The government will discuss if the amount of work permits issued to third country nationals should be cut.

Cantons and businesses are against the move.

Third countries are those not in the EU or EEA which fall under free movement agreements.

The Federal Council currently has a limit of no more than 12,000 permits a year to third countries – which now includes the UK.

But the Justice Minister, Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, wants to cut that to 9,600.

But the Employee Association is critical of the cut. It says there are specialized workers not found in Switzerland or the EU and are important.

A final decision on the quota number will be made in the next few weeks.

More from Bitesize News

Several injured in random knife attack

A man attacked several people with a knife yesterday afternoon in Zofingen in canton Aargau.
Push for Geneva to host song contest

Pressure is building to get canton Geneva to officially back the hosting of next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
Govt says 'no' to song cash

As the potential cities vie for the right to host next years Eurovision Song Contest, the federal government have made it very clear – there will be no government money.
Unusual snowfalls on high passes

Despite being mid-May, the higher ground is getting a massive amount of snow.
Possible charge for Lauterbrunnen

The picturesque village of Lauterbrunnen in the Bernese Oberland is considering following the lead of Venice - and bringing in a daily charge for visitors.
Accident caused major disruption - man seriousy injured

Geneva rush hour traffic was severely disrupted yesterday afternoon after a 19-year-old scooter rider was hit by a tram in Rive.