Must jobseekers in Switzerland speak a national language, and how many EU immigrants leave Switzerland — these are among the news that The Local reported this week. You can catch up on everything in this weekly roundup.
Must jobseekers in Switzerland speak a national language?
Being able to speak one of Switzerland’s national languages remains a requirement for a number of companies, sectors, and positions.
Though many international firms and Swiss multinationals operate in English, recruitment agencies stress that for jobs involving customers, public authorities, or local partners, speaking the relevant regional language is often “essential rather than optional.”
And while the language of the region will suffice in most cases, in some instances, “employers will seek candidates who are proficient in both German and French.
READ MORE: Is it now more important for foreign job seekers to speak a Swiss language?
Many European immigrants leave Switzerland after a few years
According to Patrick Chuard-Keller, chief economist at the Swiss Employers’ Association, every year, 30,000 Europeans leave Switzerland.
Half of them leave after five years, and after 10 years, 60 percent of EU nationals have returned home.
Even though Swiss economy offers many advantages for foreigners and the free movement of people is “very flexible” and adapted to the needs of the economy and the labour market, many imigrants quickly leave the country if their profile doesn’t match employers’ expectations.
READ MORE: Why half of European immigrants don’t stay more than five years in Switzerland
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Switzerland to make major decisions about its relations with the EU
A new package of treaties between the European Union and Switzerland was concluded in December 2024 and signed by all parties in May 2025.
But this year will be key in moving these agreements forward – or not.
Firstly, the two chambers of the Parliament – the National Council and the Council of States – will debate the treaties at length this year.
Also, the referendum to curb immigration from the EU, which is scheduled for November 2026, will determine how the future relations between Bern and Brussels will evolve.
READ MORE: Why 2026 will be a crucial year for EU free movement in Switzerland
There is no vaccination obligation in Switzerland – but could it change?
St. Gallen plans to introduce hefty fines – up to 20,000 francs – for those who refuse to be vaccinated. Could this happen on a federal level as well?
According to the Federal Office of Public Health, Switzerland’s legislation does provide for the possibility of mandatory vaccination for certain groups of people in certain exceptional situations – for instance, healthcare professionals in a severe pandemic.
However, such an official requirement has never been imposed at a federal level, not even during the Covid pandemic, and immunising someone by force remains illegal.
READ MORE: Could Switzerland impose obligatory vaccinations?
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Thousands of foreigners leave Zurich each year
Each year, some 40,000 people move away from Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich, and 55 percent of them are foreign nationals.
“This is a high figure, given that in the city of Zurich, the proportion of foreign nationals is 32 percent,” the report pointed out.
On the other hand, “the proportion of foreign nationals among those moving into the city is also above average, at just over 60 percent.”
READ MORE: How thousands of foreigners leave Zurich every year
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Power banks may no longer be used or charged during the flight on Swiss airlines
To enhance safety, SWISS and Edelweiss airlines are introducing new regulations from January 15th on the carrying and use of power banks on board their planes.
In short, power banks may no longer be used or charged during the flight, and a maximum of two power banks may be brought on board per passenger.
Charging the power bank itself from the aircraft’s electrical power supply is also now prohibited.
READ MORE: Swiss flight passengers face new rules for taking power banks on planes