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IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? Switzerland will increase by 500 the number of B and L permits for highly skilled non-EU/EFTA workers in 2017. Permits for highly skilled EU/EFTA assignees will remain at 2016 levels.
What does the change mean? Companies can plan for a slight increase in the number of permits that will be available for non-EU/EFTA workers, but for the same number of permits for EU/EFTA assignees.
Background: B permits are work and residence permits based on employment contracts of longer than one year. L permits are issued to foreigners planning to stay in Switzerland for more than four months but less than a year.
Highly skilled workers from non-EU/EFTA countries will be capped at 3,000 B permits and 4,500 L permits, up 500 in each category compared with 2016 levels. The cap for assignees from EU/EFTA countries will remain the same: 250 B permits and 2,000 L permits will become available in 2017. Here’s a look at how the quotas have fluctuated in recent years:
BAL Analysis: Cantons and the business community had hoped for a boost in the number of positions available, and the increase in non-EU/EFTA B and L permits is viewed as a concession to their interests. Employers should nonetheless prepare for the likelihood that quotas will be reached in 2017, as demand for non-Swiss workers is likely to continue outpacing the number of permits available.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Switzerland. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
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