UBS mulls additional 10,000 job cuts—potential shake-up for work-permit holders and expat talent
Swiss weather alert raises snow-line to 2,300 m—Alpine travel largely clear but storm winds forecast for evening
Switzerland Adopts Tougher Visa-Suspension Mechanism Aligned With EU
Latest News
Work-Permit Quotas for Non-EU Talent Remain Frozen for 2026
The Federal Council has decided to keep the 2026 quotas for B- and L-permits unchanged: 8,500 for third-country specialists, 3,500 for EU/EFTA service providers, and 3,500 for UK nationals. Companies should file early, as some cantons exceeded their 2025 allocations well before year-end.
Zurich Airport Rolls Out CT Scanners—Liquids and Laptops Can Stay in Your Bag
Zurich Airport has installed next-generation CT scanners on one of its four security levels, enabling passengers from 8 December to keep laptops and liquids inside hand luggage. Once all lanes are converted by summer 2026, containers of up to two litres will be allowed, cutting wait times for business travellers.
Consultation Shows Strong Public Backing for ‘Bilaterals III’ Swiss-EU Package
A Federal Council interim report shows most stakeholders favour the wide-ranging Swiss-EU Bilaterals III package, which includes updated freedom-of-movement rules. Parliament will debate the adjusted text in March 2026, with a possible referendum in 2027—timelines that mobility teams should monitor.
Wide Cantonal Support Boosts Swiss Government’s New EU Deal
Reuters sources say about 75 % of cantons and associations back Bern’s draft EU agreement, reinforcing political momentum toward closer alignment on market access and free movement. Corporate mobility leaders should track parliamentary debates and a likely referendum over the next two years.
Vaud Civil-Service Strike Could Delay Local Work-Permit Processing
Civil servants in Vaud continued strike action on 5 December, potentially slowing cantonal processing of new and renewal work permits. Companies hiring in Lausanne and surrounding areas should build extra lead-time into mobility schedules and monitor further industrial-action announcements.