Swiss opt for ‘Euro-compatible’ scheme to limit immigration

Swiss employers wishing to recruit from abroad may first have to search for candidates among unemployed locals, and justify any rejections in writing. The Swiss Senate voted in favour of such a scheme on the 1 December 2016 to advance Switzerland’s initiative against mass immigration.

Swiss lawmakers were seeking a solution to curb immigration, as voted for in a binding 2014 referendum, but without setting quotas, which would put Switzerland into direct conflict with the European Union and its bilateral accords on the free movement of people.

A European Commission spokesperson gave a cautious welcome to the initiative on the 16 December 2016, but the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) denounced Switzerland’s 'capitulation' on immigration.

• Primary Source

Swissinfo.ch, 12.12.16: [Commentary]: How an issue of immigration turned into one of unemployment http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/mass-immigration-initiative_how-an-issue-of-immigration-turned-into-one-of-unemployment/42756246

Swissinfo.ch: Tag: Surrounded by Europe http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/in-depth/surrounded-by-europe

ESO: Background information: No EU-Swiss agreement during Juncker’s visit / Strict enforcement of initiative rejected http://www.europeansources.info/record/no-eu-swiss-agreement-during-junckers-visit-strict-enforcement-of-initiative-rejected/

ESO: Background information: Swiss agree to curb immigration and rethink EU deal http://www.europeansources.info/record/swiss-agree-to-curb-immigration-and-rethink-eu-deal/

BBC News, 16.12.16: No quotas in 'compromise' Swiss immigration bill http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-38340407

The Guardian, 16.12.16: Switzerland makes U-turn over EU worker quotas to keep single market access https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/16/switzerland-u-turn-quotas-on-eu-workers-immigration

The Local.ch, 16.12.16: It's official: Switzerland defies referendum and won't impose EU immigration controls http://www.thelocal.ch/20161216/svp-bern-capitulates-with-final-immigration-vote

Politico, 16.12.16: Switzerland retreats from migration quotas, in lesson for Brexit http://www.politico.eu/article/switzerland-retreats-from-migration-quotas-in-lesson-for-brexit/

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