Why the anti-immigration vote would be detrimental to the heath of Switzerland’s population, and which measures impacting foreign nationals is the government considering — these are among the news that The Local reported this week. You can catch up on everything in this weekly roundup.
MP: Effects of Swiss proposal to cut immigration would be detrimental to health
According to Green-Liberal MP Patrick Hässig, the hard-right proposal to curb immigration from the EU once Switzerland’s population reaches the 10-million mark would result in a shortage of healthcare workers.
That, in turn, would mean that the country’s hospitals would be understaffed and the quality of care provided to patients would suffer.
The overall health of the population would deteriorate as a result of this development, he said.
READ ALSO: Why Switzerland’s anti-immigration proposal could ‘put people’s lives at risk’?
Switzerland mulls new immigration measures
Several proposals and changes are currently underway in Switzerland that could impact the lives of foreign nationals next year or beyond if they are implemented.
Foremost among them are the hard-right proposal to curb the number of immigrants in Switzerland; a shorter waiting period for obtaining citizenship; harmonisation of naturalisation rules throughout the country; adoption of EU’s ‘Citizens’ Rights Directive’ , as well as new family reunification rules.
READ ALSO: What immigration changes await foreigners in Switzerland in 2026 and beyond?
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Hundreds of UN employees have lost their jobs in Geneva
Due to funding cuts by the United States, Geneva-based UN organisations and NGOs have had to dismiss hundreds of their employees – with more job losses still on the horizon.
They include (but are not limited to) 250 people who had to leave the Organization for Migration (IOM), 127 staff members fired from HIV/AIDS office (UNAIDS), and 300 employees of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) who will have to leave the Geneva office and move to Rome.
The World Health Organization (WHO) personnel has experienced cuts as well.
READ ALSO: How many jobs have been lost in Geneva’s international agencies?
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Foreign bosses outnumber local executives in Swiss companies
The percentage of foreign executives working at Switzerland’s largest companies has reached a historic high this year.
Only 51 percent of executives of Switzerland’s 100 largest firms are Swiss, and only 27 percent of executives of publicly listed companies on the Swiss Market Index (SMI) are Swiss.
Some argue that attracting talent from around the world gives Swiss businesses a competitive edge. But others are less enthusiastic about this growing trend.
READ ALSO: Number of foreign bosses in Switzerland reaches record high
Swiss air passengers to get delay compensation under EU rules
While residents of Switzerland are entitled to compensation if their flights are cancelled, they have been disadvantaged when it comes to getting money back for delayed flights.
This practice is, however, set to change
If the package concluded between Bern and Brussels in December 2024 is approved, Swiss passengers would be treated – in terms of delay compensation – the same as their as EU counterparts: they would no longer be excluded from claiming compensation for late flights.
READ ALSO: Why the EU deal will be good for air travellers in Switzerland
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Zurich introduces European Union’s Entry/Exit System
Under the new system, abbreviated as EES, third-country nationals entering Switzerland will have their biometric data digitally registered, rather than having their passports stamped. Travellers will scan their passports and fingerprints and have a photo of their faces taken.
The new procedure is intended to help Schengen Area countries track compliance with the 90-day visa-free program and “enhance security standards.”
Travellers from Switzerland and EU/EFTA countries will not be affected. International residents of Switzerland and other EU countries are also exempt from EES.
READ ALSO: Zurich airport launches EU’s biometric Entry/Exit System