Swiss companies have urged the authorities to help them hire more Ukrainian refugees by granting more flexible work permits and offering language courses.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/mga
Português
pt
Burocracia frustra esforços para contratar refugiados ucranianos
Some 60,000 Ukrainians have been awarded special S status permits giving them refuge from the Russian invasion of their country. But only around 10% of the 33,000 refugees of working age have so far found jobs in Switzerland.
A survey by the Swiss Employers’ Association found that most companies are willing to offer more jobs to Ukrainian refugees, but they are frustrated by uncertainty about how long these potential workers can stay in Switzerland.
The Employers’ Association on Thursday demanded greater guarantees that refugees could stay in the country beyond the one-year limit of S permits should they find employment.
“A long-term perspective would encourage companies to further promote or even intensify integration through internships and apprenticeships,” said association president Valentin Vogt.
Language courses
The survey of 367 companies also called on local authorities to step up language courses for refugees to give them one of the most basic skills necessary for working in Switzerland.
Job centres should also educate Ukrainians about the domestic job market and do more to bring refugees and companies together to help match job seekers with open positions, the Employers’ Association said.
Popular Stories
More
Foreign Affairs
How a top Swiss university is screening Chinese students
L’Oréal acquires South Korean subsidiary of Migros’ cosmetics brand
This content was published on
French cosmetics firm L'Oréal is acquiring Gowoonsesang Cosmetics, the South Korean subsidiary of the Migros-owned Mibelle group, for an undisclosed sum.
Sharp hike in number of protected historic monuments in Switzerland
This content was published on
In 2022, there were close to 91,000 protected historic monuments in Switzerland, 21% more than in 2016, said the Federal Statistical Office.
Switzerland adopts further EU sanctions against Russia
This content was published on
Switzerland has added several dozen names to its list of sanctioned persons or entities from Russia after adopting the amendments made by the European Union.
Snowfall causes travel restrictions in much of Switzerland
This content was published on
Heavy snowfall in several regions of Switzerland caused restrictions in road and rail traffic on Monday morning, though conditions eased by the afternoon.
Swiss major-general named acting head of UN observer force in Golan Heights
This content was published on
Major-General Patrick Gauchat has been appointed acting head of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights.
Accidents up sharply among older skiers in Switzerland
This content was published on
People over the age of 40 account for more than half of all ski injuries in Switzerland, a new study by insurance firm Suva shows.
Switzerland proposes strengthening rights of people with disabilities
This content was published on
The Swiss government is proposing a package of new legislative measures to promote inclusion of people with disabilities in all areas of life.
This content was published on
The Swiss artist Kurt Laurenz Metzler, known for his colorful sculptures made of fiberglass and polyester, has died in Zurich at the age of 83.
Historic Swiss bathhouse on Lake Constance destroyed in a fire
This content was published on
In the northern Swiss town of Rorschach, the 100-year-old Badhütte (bathing hut) on the shores of Lake Constance burned down early Monday morning.
Trump picks Callista Gingrich as ambassador to Switzerland
This content was published on
Incoming United States president Donald Trump has named Callista Gingrich as the next ambassador to Switzerland. Gingrich was posted to the Vatican under Trump's previous term.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Almost 10% of eligible Ukrainian refugees in Switzerland have a job
This content was published on
A total of 9.4% of adults in possession of a special “S” permit are in work, with most employed in the restaurant sector.
Ukraine refugees work in restaurant and IT sectors
This content was published on
The Swiss authorities say they have registered at least 54,000 refugees from Ukraine, but only about 1,000 of them have received a work permit.
Migration head predicts most Ukrainians ‘will not stay in Switzerland’
This content was published on
Of the 40,000 Ukrainian refugees who have arrived in Switzerland over the past two months, some are already starting to return home.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.