Switzerland: the strength of diversity

Switzerland has a dynamic market and an open economy. Landlocked in the centre of Europe, it is renowned for the quality of its industry, its above-average salaries and its pleasant living environment. As a result, people of foreign origin make up a significant percentage of our population... and our workforce. Could we do without them?

Presence by sector

Studies show that workers from English-speaking countries as well as from France, Germany and Austria have a higher level of education than the average for the Swiss population: companies are looking for well-trained specialists, whose profiles are not easy to find on the local market. Migration is therefore a major advantage in times of skilled labour shortage, especially since in these specific cases, expats already arrive with a diploma in their pocket, which reduces training costs for the country. For example, 51% of mathematicians and statisticians come from abroad, 35% of doctors and 46% of financial analysts.

In other sectors such as construction or catering, migrants are less qualified than the Swiss, but just as indispensable in view of economic needs. 60% of bricklayers are of foreign nationality; this is also the case for 70% of kitchen assistants, 55% of employees in the flooring industry and 28% of care and support staff. The professions with the fewest foreign workers are the police and agriculture (1 to 2%).

A policy that oscillates between openness and restrictions

The bilateral agreements currently being renegotiated with Europe are the subject of heated debate, but Switzerland's ambiguous relationship with its foreign population is nothing new. Direct democracy clearly highlights this: since 1945, there have been more than 40 popular initiatives addressing migration issues. The most famous, narrowly rejected, date from the economic crisis of the 1970s, and proposed limiting foreigners living in the country to 10%. Italian workers were particularly targeted at the time and the hostile climate led 300,000 of them to return to their country. In 2014, the SVP's initiative ‘against mass immigration’ was accepted by the people, but its implementation required compromises to make it compatible with the bilateral agreements.

The results of these votes according to the cantons show that in principle the acceptance of the foreign population is stronger in urban regions where its presence is high - with the exception of Ticino. Very often, the fears that encourage a desire to limit migration are based on the main arguments of pressure on salaries as well as on the rate of employment and vacant housing, the dilution of Swiss cultural identity or the rise in crime.

Integration and equal opportunities

According to the FSO, the median salary of the foreign population is CHF 1,000 lower than that of the Swiss. This is a significant difference, but less significant than in other countries with a comparable immigration rate.* For regulated professions, the main problem remains the recognition of qualifications. Switzerland is renowned for its good schools; sometimes, the belief circulates that training carried out abroad does not have the same value in terms of skills. In addition, the recognition of a qualification issued by a foreign school - and moreover, outside the European Union - involves rigorous administrative procedures with the SERI (State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation). The language barrier, lack of knowledge of the system or a less extensive professional network can also block the career development opportunities of migrants.

Training and networking

Angestellte Schweiz represents professional fields where there is a large workforce from abroad; we are committed to equal opportunities in the world of work. Our continuing education courses on AI or occupational pension plans allow you to remain competitive in the market and better understand the intricacies of the Swiss system. Our events are an opportunity to expand your network. And to explore the topic in greater depth, we met with two of our expatriate members to hear how they have integrated into Switzerland. Don't miss our article by clicking on the link below.

Source: Immigration: where foreigners are useful to the Swiss economy | Tribune de Genève)