Labor market restrictions for Bulgarian and Romanian nationals to end June 1

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Swiss Federal Council has adopted an amendment that abolishes the quotas that were previously allotted for Bulgarian and Romanian nationals.

What does the change mean? Nationals of Bulgaria and Romania will be able to move freely under the same conditions as other EU nationals starting June 1.

• Implementation time frame: The Federal Council adopted the amendment Wednesday.
• Who is affected: Bulgarian and Romanian nationals working or applying for work permits in Switzerland.

Background: Bulgaria and Romania acquired full free movement rights and open access to the labor market in Switzerland on June 1, 2017. However, under a safeguard clause (“ventilklausel”), Switzerland imposed quotas on B permits for Bulgarian and Romanian nationals. The safeguard clause ends on May 31, and after that date Romanian and Bulgarian nationals will no longer be subject to the quotas and will be able to apply for the same work permits as EU/EFTA nationals, such as L and G permits.

Analysis & Comments: The change is good news for businesses, as Bulgarian and Romanian nationals will no longer have restricted access to the Swiss labor market as of June 1.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.