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IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? Swiss authorities have published new guidance on the country’s language requirements for residence permits.
What does the change mean? Dependent spouses of non-EU/EFTA B-permit holders, B-permit holders seeking renewal and certain C-permit applicants may be required to demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency in the primary language of their place of residence at the time of registration or most recent residence after 12 months in Switzerland.
Additional information: In August, the Swiss Federal Council approved a set of changes on integration and language requirements for foreign nationals seeking residence permits. The State Secretariat for Migration has now released additional information on the requirements. While each canton may apply different requirements, the new language criteria are generally as follows:
Until the end of 2019, authorities in the Swiss cantons will have the authority to decide which certificates are acceptable to establish the required level of language proficiency. It is likely that beginning on Jan. 1, 2020, authorities will only accept officially recognized language certificates such as the “language passport.” Additional information can be found here.
Analysis & Comments: Switzerland’s new requirements were designed to improve the integration of foreign workers and their dependents. Employers and foreign residents are encouraged to stay informed of new language proficiency requirements for initial applications and renewals in their cantons, as implementation rules may differ from canton to canton.
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.
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