GLOBAL Immigration Alert from Pro-Link GLOBAL,Inc


		Global BRIEF Immigration Alert \| April 28, 2010

Pro-Link GLOBAL Corporate Immigration GLOBAL Brief

SWITZERLAND | New Quotas Available From 1 July 2010

The Swiss government has announced the opening of new federal quotas for foreign nationals employed or on assignment in Switzerland. An additional 4500 spaces for short term ("L") permits have been approved, and an additional 1000 spaces for long term ("B") permits.

Why is there a new quota now?

Switzerland took the drastic decision at the end of 2009 to slash quotas for 2010 by 50%, to just 2000 "B", or long term, permits and 3500 "L", or short term, permits. This was in response to a rapidly rising unemployment rate and strong domestic concern over job availability. At the time the authorities commented that, depending on the economic situation, further quota spaces could potentially be opened up later in the year. The government now reports that levels of unemployment have stabilized, and that there is a clear need to bring more foreign national specialized employees into Switzerland.

The government's announcement (in German, French or Italian language only) can be found at this link: http://tinyurl.com/2a8gmkz

Focus on Short Term Assignments

It is interesting to note that the Swiss authorities have decided to allocate the majority of the new quota as "L" permits, or short term permits. Of the 5500 spaces granted, 4500, or 82% of the total, have been designated as available for "L" permits only. This is a clear signal that the Swiss authorities wish to encourage short term, highly specialized migrants who will not settle in Switzerland or impact the local labor market long term. "L" permits are granted for a maximum duration of 24 months and are not renewable after this time.

Exceptions

Note that the new quotas announced today are not applicable for assignments of less than four months' duration or for EU 17/EFTA nationals (Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, UK, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) who are employed by a Swiss entity, as neither category is subject to quota provisions. Also note that renewals are not affected by quotas.

ACTION ITEMS FOR EMPLOYERS

Although the new quotas do not become available until 1 July 2010, employers can begin to prepare assignments to Switzerland immediately.

Pro-Link Global will prepare all necessary applications and will submit as soon as the new quotas open.

Please contact your Pro-Link GLOBAL Immigration Professional to discuss your situation if you have any queries.

Caveat Lector | Warning to Reader

This is provided as informational only and is no substitute for actual legal advice based on the specific circumstances of a matter. Readers are reminded that Immigration laws are fluid and can change a moment's notice without any warning. Please reach out to your local Pro-Link GLOBAL specialist should you require any additional clarification.

Pro-Link GLOBAL worked with our PLG |KGNM Correspondent Office Switzerland in Zürich to provide this Global BRIEF alert to you.

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