Exodus of Foreign Residents: Why the Swiss Alps Can't Hold Them Anymore
Life after Switzerland: Unraveling the Emigration Stories
Switzerland might be a hot topic in political circles due to its immigration policies, but what about those foreign residents who decide to leave the country after calling it home?
Switzerland's population is almost a quarter foreign nationals, one of the highest proportions in Europe. Yet, the number of foreigners who depart after living here for some time is also relatively high, as revealed by Eurostat migration statistics.
Unearthing the Numbers
Averaging out the years from 2013 to 2022, about 155,000 individuals migrated to Switzerland annually. During the same period, nearly 90,000 foreign nationals bid farewell to the country. Recently, in 2023, the 'return migration' from Switzerland witnesses a decline, primarily due to the high number of Ukrainian refugees who are yet to return to their homeland. However, in 2024, this rate rose to 50 departures for every 100 immigrants.
Comparing Emigration Rates
Among 20 European nations listed in the Eurostat database, Switzerland stands in sixth place, with a rate of 54 departures for every 100 arrivals (emigration to immigration ratio). The EU average is significantly lower, at 34/100.
** dig deeper**
As provided by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), long-term data indicates that the emigration of immigrants is pegged highest in the initial years after their arrival. In fact, the majority of the departures occurred within the first two years of their residency.
The Bind That Pulls
"People don't always settle down in a new country," notes sociologist Liliana Azevedo from the Swiss Research Center for Migration at the University of Neuchâtel. Work is one of the primary factors that keep individuals in Switzerland. Unemployment, insecure jobs, or lack of skills can serve as obstacles for long-term residence.
Many foreigners come to Switzerland for education or professional training, and they often leave once they complete their endeavors. Additionally, the attachment to one's own country of origin plays a significant role, with the Portuguese community being a prime example.
According to Azevedo, a study by the University of Neuchâtel demonstrates that the Portuguese have the strongest connection to their homeland, ranking highest among various nationalities when it comes to returning home.
For more insights on foreigners returning to their home countries, click here: READ MORE: How many foreigners leave Switzerland after settling in the country?
- The statistical data from Eurostat migration statistics shows that Switzerland stands in sixth place among 20 European nations, with a high emigration rate of 54 departures for every 100 arrivals, pointing to a significant number of foreigners who come to Switzerland but later decide to emigrate.
- The Federal Statistical Office's long-term data indicates that the majority of immigrants in Switzerland who eventually emigrate do so within the first two years of their residency, suggesting a common trend of short-term stays.
- One 2024 study by the University of Neuchâtel found the Portuguese community in Switzerland to have the strongest connection to their homeland, with many choosing to emigrate back to Portugal after completing their education or professional training, demonstrating a unique aspect of Switzerland's lifestyle that influences general-news coverage on emigration stories.
