As many foreign specialists as it was before the MEI

the maximum number is fixed, Whether a computer scientist from India or a chemist from Chile: companies can get skilled workers from outside Europe are only limited to Switzerland, as with quotas. Especially from Basel-Stadt, Geneva and Zurich was not heard in the last few years that companies from this reason, to engage as many specialists as you need. In the meantime, has rotated in the Wind. Shortly before the end of the year quotas are in the economic centres left.

The third countries quotas are a political issue. After the vote on the mass immigration initiative in February 2014, the Federal Council of Switzerland has lowered it far from 8500 to 6500 specialists, which resulted in economic circles for great displeasure. In Basel, the pharmaceutical complained that they could not recruit enough researchers from third countries. Roche chief Severin Schwan urged that it would not be able to realize all the planned projects in Switzerland. Also, Google Switzerland, whose 2500 employees from 85 countries consume a large part of the rare Zurich quotas, complained about the rigid lending practices. Vehemently cantons and groups required the Federal government to increase the quotas. The Federal Council responded to cries for help. Gradually, he increased the quotas again. 8000 he has been awarded the 2018. A lot of the some of the affected group: A Roche spokeswoman confirmed that the group of 2018 received all requested permits for persons from third countries. In the case of Novartis, it is said: "All eligible applications were approved." Google Switzerland took no position.

In Basel-city are currently awarded with 30 quotas from the Federal reserve. "Compared to the past years, the Situation is much more relaxed", as stated by the competent Department for economic, social and environmental. Similar is heard from the Canton of Geneva, where a handful of quotas. However, it is noted that this would be handled in a very restrictive manner and only to highly specialized experts. The Department of economic Affairs Zurich, it's called "From the Federal reserves, we were able to order several tranches to the state Secretariat for Migration. We assume that the demand for 2018 is covered. Compared to the previous years, the Situation has eased."

More quotas for next year

But how could lighten the situation so quickly? A possible explanation is a reduction in demand of firms for skilled workers. For the Swiss economy, this would be an alarming Signal. From that Thesis of Alessandro Bee, an Economist at UBS, considers it a little: "The industry employment is growing in Switzerland as well as the last ten years ago," he says, and adds that the unemployment was still at a low level. Another point that speaks against this Thesis, is, according to the Bee, the growth of net immigration. This moved recently, after they had been years of decline.

This seems to be the most plausible, that the currently existing number of quotas will be enough to cover the basic demand for skilled workers from third countries. The days when corporate leaders threatened to move projects abroad in the past? Hardly. This is because although has improved the Situation, are not fed into the reverb, the Call for higher quotas, "The needs of the economy for skilled workers from third countries continues to be large. A further increase would certainly be desirable, ultimately this is a political decision in an area that is sensitive and balanced discussion," says the Zurich-based economy Director Carmen Walker Späh.

For the next year, the Federal Council has increased the quotas again. Up to 8500 people from outside Europe are allowed to work in Switzerland. This corresponds to the state before the mass immigration initiative. (Editorial Tamedia)

Created: 19.12.2018, 14:59 PM