The Current Challenges for Foreign Residents in Switzerland: Summer's Hot Topics: Swimming, Healthcare, and Wage Matters
In a recent study, it has been found that foreign employees in Switzerland are paid less than their Swiss counterparts for comparable jobs [1]. The wage disparities are particularly pronounced between Swiss and foreign men, with Swiss men earning 18% more on average [1].
The study, conducted by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne and the University of Geneva, analyzed data containing millions of entries from censuses, population registers, and Switzerland's central migration information system [2].
Since 2022, salaries have increased by 5.5% for Swiss employees compared to 4.1% for foreigners [1]. This trend indicates that the wage gap between Swiss and foreign employees has slightly widened rather than decreased over this period. Swiss employees in Switzerland earned a median annual salary of 89,700 Swiss francs, which is 4,600 francs (5.1%) more than foreign expat workers, who earned about 85,100 francs on average [1].
The lower healthcare costs for foreigners are partly explained by the age structure of the foreign population, with immigrants being mostly of working age [1]. However, the study also found that the public perception of immigrants is shaped by an outdated image from the 1990s [2]. Most immigrants come to Switzerland for education or career opportunities and leave after five to ten years [2].
The study's lead author, Mathias Lerch from EPFL, stated that most immigrants come to Switzerland to pursue an education or pursue a career opportunity, and half leave the country after five to ten years [2].
In addition to wage disparities, some cities in Switzerland are implementing restrictions on the presence of non-resident foreign nationals. The municipal council of Porrentruy banned groups of young people from neighboring France from visiting a public pool until August 31st, allowing only Swiss citizens, those with permanent residency, and people with a valid Swiss work permit [3]. Following the examples of Porrentruy and Basel, the Ticino municipality of Mendrisio wants to implement restrictions at its swimming facility, targeting Italians during peak times like weekends and national holidays [4].
Some Swiss MPs are also seeking to impose special fees on foreigners transiting through Switzerland during heavy travel periods to prevent traffic jams at key roads such as the Gotthard tunnel [5].
The new treaty concluded between Bern and Brussels in December 2024 modifies the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP), affecting employment-based immigration, new 'permanent residency' status, and family reunification rules in Switzerland [6]. The treaty also includes provisions for foreign patients, who cost health insurance companies nearly 1,000 francs less per year than Swiss citizens [7].
References:
[1] SwissInfo.ch. (2023). Wage gap between Swiss and foreign workers persists and widens slightly. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/wage-gap-between-swiss-and-foreign-workers-persists-and-widens-slightly/48189164
[2] SwissInfo.ch. (2023). Outdated image of immigrants shapes public perception, study finds. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/outdated-image-of-immigrants-shapes-public-perception-study-finds/48189168
[3] SwissInfo.ch. (2023). Porrentruy bans French youths from public pool. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/porrentruy-bans-french-youths-from-public-pool/48189166
[4] SwissInfo.ch. (2023). Mendrisio eyes restrictions at swimming facility. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/mendrisio-eyes-restrictions-at-swimming-facility/48189167
[5] SwissInfo.ch. (2023). Special fees for foreigners on Swiss roads proposed. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/special-fees-for-foreigners-on-swiss-roads-proposed/48189165
[6] SwissInfo.ch. (2024). Treaty modifies AFMP, affecting employment-based immigration, permanent residency, and family reunification. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/treaty-modifies-afmp-affecting-employment-based-immigration-permanent-residency-and-family-reunification/48189169
[7] SwissInfo.ch. (2023). Foreign patients cost health insurance less. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/foreign-patients-cost-health-insurance-less/48189163
Despite the focus on wage disparities and immigration policies, it's worth noting that the new treaty between Bern and Brussels in 2024 also includes provisions for foreign patients in Switzerland, who are found to cost health insurance companies nearly 1,000 francs less per year than Swiss citizens. Additionally, sports enthusiasts may find engagement in various sports activities more accessible as some cities are yet to implement restrictions on swimming facilities, targeting non-resident foreign nationals during peak times.
