March 2019
At the Federal Council meeting on 13 February, a further decision was taken on the admission of British nationals in the event of a disorderly withdrawal of the UK from the European Union.
The Federal Council decided in the further discussions on the "Mind the Gap" strategy that a temporary separate quota should be introduced for employed British citizens. The consequences of the abrupt change from British nationals to third-country nationals are therefore reduced and unwanted competition between British nationals and other third-country nationals is also to be reduced.
The maximum numbers for British nationals are to apply from the 30 March 2019 until the end of 2019. A total of 3500 workers can be recruited from the United Kingdom: 2100 residence permits (B) and 1400 short-term residence permits (L). The quotas are allocated to the cantons on a quarterly basis. In addition, the quotas are allocated within the competence of the cantons and are not subject to the approval procedure.
The measure represents an interim solution pending clarification of the future migration regime and is considered an exceptional measure. By the end of March 2019, the Federal Department of Justice and Police will submit the revision of the Ordinance on Admission, Residence and Employment (OASA) to the Federal Council for final decision.
At the same time, discussions on a possible bilateral agreement between Switzerland and the United Kingdom will continue.
BDO in Switzerland is happy to support you in applying for work and residence permits for Switzerland and consult you on the changing legislation.
Stephanie Müller