"Integration Contract" requirement for new refugees debated in Zurich

A new proposal submitted to the cantonal parliament in Zurich would see refugees forced to sign an “integration contract” to remain resident in the region. The measure would see migrants commit to upholding Swiss values and customs, and endeavour to learn German.

What's included in the proposed integration contract for Zurich?

In the motion, submitted by the Swiss People’s Party, FDP. The Liberals and the Centre Party, Canton Zurich would be required to create a mandatory integration contract for all new refugees and temporarily admitted people. This agreement would demand that new arrivals commit to the “rights, obligations and norms” considered integral to Swiss society.

As part of the contract, refugees would agree to the following principles:

1. Men and women have equal rights.
2. The law is above religion.
3. Everyone should learn and master a language of Switzerland.
4. Children are required to attend school.
5. New arrivals should find a job in Switzerland within one year of being granted residence.
6. Immigrants should not break the law.
7. Political, social or ethnic conflicts present in other nations should not be prosecuted in Switzerland.

Tellingly, the word “refugee” is not used in the proposal, which could see the contract requirement opened up to regular residence permit holders. Punishment for not following the contract’s rules has not been decided, but should include financial penalties and even the revocation of the person’s residence permit. 

What are integration contracts and how are they used?

Since 2007, Swiss cantons have been allowed to enforce integration contracts on all international residents from non-EU/EFTA countries. These are usually applied to those who commit a crime, do not follow local customs, or refuse to find a job or learn a national language.

As it stands, Canton Bern and St. Gallen have been most keen to use integration contracts, with the latter issuing around 500 a year. Punishments typically involve having residence permits downgraded to ones that are more temporary - a C-permit to a B-permit, for example.

For supporters, the integration contract is a way of boosting rates of assimilation among refugees and internationals. “It should be self-evident that those eligible for integration who wish to remain here respect our values ​​and laws. The integration contract should communicate expectations right from the start so that those concerned can act accordingly,” FDP Cantonal Councillor Martin Huber wrote in a statement.

Integration contracts unfair and bureaucratic, say opponents

By contrast, those opposed, like the Swiss Refugee Council back in 2010, say that while the principle of integration contracts is good, they can put an incredible amount of pressure on refugees, who already face huge challenges in trying to get themselves settled.

Others note that the plan would lead to a two-tier system, where refugees are held to a higher standard than more affluent expats. Speaking to Watson back in 2018, the head of the Migration Office in Canton Zug, Georg Blum, noted that not being able to issue EU and EFTA citizens with integration contracts is tantamount to discrimination.

"Can we really dictate to a senior manager who works in the canton of Zug for a few years that they have to learn German?" he asked rhetorically. He added that integration contracts should be used sparingly, given the “great deal of administrative effort” needed to issue and enforce them.