Swiss Senate committee proposes "immigration tax" for EU workers

In the latest round of debate over the Bilateral III treaties with the European Union, members of the Swiss Council of States are now pushing for additional measures to control immigration to Switzerland. 

What is the proposed Swiss immigration tax?

The State Policy Committee of the Council of States (SPK-S or Staatspolitische Kommission) voted in favour of introducing an immigration tax (Immigrationsabgabe) as a “protective measure” as part of the EU treaties' safeguard clause. 

The proposed immigration tax would require Swiss employers to pay a levy when hiring workers from abroad. "The commission is convinced that the immigration levy will create incentives to utilise the domestic workforce," stated the parliamentary press release.

Adult family members moving to Switzerland to join a working spouse, as part of a family reunification process, would also have to pay tax themselves (rather than an employer). The money made from the immigration tax would be “distributed to the population”. 

Why is Switzerland considering an immigration levy?

After Switzerland and the European Union signed the long-awaited Bilateral III treaties earlier this year, some Swiss politicians voiced concern that the revised rules on the EU’s free movement of persons could lead to up to 570.000 people gaining permanent residence in Switzerland. This could potentially put pressure on the country’s social and economic infrastructure, such as housing, healthcare services and social welfare.

While a safeguard clause has already been included in the EU agreements, meaning Switzerland can limit the free movement of people if “serious economic or social difficulties” arise, the commission wants further measures.

The committee also suggested applying the tax to "third-country nationals once the safeguard clause has been activated," and reiterated the need for more criminal record checks for people moving to Switzerland. 

The proposal will now go to the rest of the Council of States for further debate, and if approved, will move to the National Council.