Ministers are meeting with employers and cantons to work out ways to increase the number of refugees joining the workforce.
Not every Ukrainian refugee wants to stay in Switzerland in the long-term. But every effort should be made to give jobs to those who want one, said Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter on Thursday.
That’s why the Swiss government is shelling out CHF3,000 ($3,000) per person on language courses.
Of the 57,000 refugees in Switzerland, 31,000 are of working age. Because official records take time to update, the number of employment permits for refugees with special protection ‘S status’ is probably more than 1,500.
Canton Zurich (256) has issued the most permits, followed by Aargau (201), Bern (144) and Thurgau (140). Most refugee workers are entering the hospitality, IT, agriculture and education sectors.
The Swiss Secretariat for Migration (SEM) says that Ukrainian refugees with status S, as with other provisionally admitted persons in need of protection, do not count towards the quota for foreign workers from third-tier countries.
Keller-Sutter said that jobs provide more than just income – employment helps refugees integrate better into society and make a contribution to their adopted country.
The justice minister, who is responsible for immigration, was joined by Economic Minister Guy Parmelin on a tour of companies that employ Ukrainian refugees.
The two ministers are gathering feedback on the current situation that may form the basis further government action in future.
External Content
Popular Stories
More
Life & Aging
Zurich: how the world capital of housing shortages is tackling the problem
In Switzerland more people are being referred to electrical therapies or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Are there similar approaches where you live?
Is your place of origin, your Heimatort, important to you?
Every Swiss citizen has a Heimatort, a place of origin, but many have never visited theirs. What’s your relationship with your Heimatort? What does it mean to you?
US tariffs affect canton Zurich less than other locations
This content was published on
The Zurich cantonal government is observing the developments surrounding the US tariffs "with concern". Compared to other locations, however, Zurich should get off lightly.
This content was published on
The Alpine Museum in Bern is showing the finds of diver David Godio, who has been fishing lost objects out of the River Aare for years.
This content was published on
Healthcare costs in Switzerland rose by 2.4% in 2023. The Swiss healthcare system thus cost around CHF94 billion ($113 billion).
Karaoke tram to run through Basel during Eurovision
This content was published on
A karaoke tram will be doing the rounds in Basel during the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC). During a 90-minute journey, guests can sing and dance for free in a vintage car.
Net wealth of Swiss households rises to CHF4.8 trillion
This content was published on
Private household assets in Switzerland continued to grow strongly in 2024. The increase was driven by both the growth in financial assets and higher property assets.
Record number of home office jobs advertised in Switzerland
This content was published on
More jobs with the option of flexible working are being advertised in Switzerland than ever before, according to a study.
Swiss companies urged to improve accident prevention
This content was published on
On World Day for Safety and Health at Work, Suva, the Swiss national accident insurance fund, is calling on companies to strengthen their prevention culture.
Francesca Torrani voted Swiss Journalist of the Year
This content was published on
Francesca Torrani has been voted Swiss Journalist of the Year for her radio reports on the people in canton Ticino and their lives.
This content was published on
Traffic jams stretching for kilometres continued to build up in front of the two portals of the Gotthard road tunnel in Switzerland on Sunday.
This content was published on
Besides geography, politics and the solidarity of the population play a decisive role in determining which countries people flee to.
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.