Demand in the Swiss labour market has changed over the years
Keystone
Since the turn of the century, the composition of migration flows to Switzerland has changed significantly. Immigration of highly skilled workers more than doubled in Switzerland between 1991 and 2014, according to a study.
The research for the series “Social Change in SwitzerlandExternal link” found that the number of new immigrants with tertiary education increased from 30,000 in 1991 to 40,000 after 2000 and to over 60,000 after 2007. Today, highly skilled migrants make up half of all annual immigration.
That said, there is considerable variation depending on where the immigrants come from. Four out of five immigrants from France and Britain are highly skilled, whereas from Germany and Austria the figure is two-thirds and from Portugal it is barely a quarter.
The biggest change was among migrants from Spain and Italy. Today more than half of immigrants from those two countries are highly qualified; a quarter of a century ago, the proportion was much smaller.
Changing labour market
The researchers explain the change mainly by the demand in the Swiss labour market. The new datasets show that more than half of the highly qualified European migrants already had an employment contract before entering Switzerland.
Nevertheless, international migration has played only a minor role in responding to the needs of the labour market, according to the study authors. From 2010 to 2013, international migration could meet less than 30% of the demand for highly skilled workers. A bigger role was played by new generations of young Swiss who are better qualified than their grandparents.
The research for “Social Change in Switzerland” by Philippe Wanner and Ilka Steiner is based on several new datasets. Also taking part were the Universities of Lausanne and Geneva, the Fors Institute and the Swiss Center of Competence for Research.
More
More
Foreigners arriving in Switzerland more likely to be highly skilled
This content was published on
The demographics of Switzerland’s immigrant workforce are changing; most new arrivals today are university educated.
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
What factors should be taken into account when inheriting Swiss citizenship abroad?
Should there be a limit to the passing on of Swiss citizenship? Or is the current practice too strict and it should still be possible to register after the age of 25?
Over a quarter of Swiss Catholics consider leaving the church
This content was published on
In Switzerland 27% of Catholics have thought about leaving the church, according to a survey by the Sotomo research centre.
This content was published on
Following the Credit Suisse debacle, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) is adapting its organisation.
This content was published on
The Swiss Armed Forces are training their fighter jets in Bern to fly from a civilian base. The exercise at Bern Airport will last until Wednesday.
Plans materialise for new particle accelerator in Geneva
This content was published on
Preparations for a huge new particle accelerator in Geneva have reached a milestone. After several years of work, a feasibility study for the project has now been finalised.
This content was published on
The value of frozen Russian assets in Switzerland currently stands at CHF7.4 billion ($8.4 billion), the Swiss government announced on Tuesday.
This content was published on
The number of business start-ups in Switzerland accelerated in the first three months of the year, with entrepreneurs being particularly dynamic in Central Switzerland, Basel and Geneva.
Most Swiss authorities want to ban Nazi symbols in public
This content was published on
A majority of Swiss political parties, cantons and associations want to ban the use and distribution of Nazi symbols in public.
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
Switzerland’s love affair with multinationals
This content was published on
Switzerland is home to some of the largest global companies. But what value do they bring to the Swiss economy and society?
Switzerland increases employment permits for non-EU workers
This content was published on
From 2019, firms will be able to recruit 8,500 foreign workers from countries such as the United States, China and India. The extra 1,000 permits will give firms access to the same number of non-EU workers as in 2014. This was the year that Swiss voters passed an initiative calling on the government to restrict…
Switzerland stays attractive for companies and top earners
This content was published on
Switzerland remains an attractive tax destination for both companies and top earners in 2017, according to a global survey.
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.