Swiss Sets Summer Referendum on SVP Plan to Cap Population at 10 Million
Swiss Airports Brace for EU Biometric Entry/Exit System Bottlenecks
Italy–Switzerland Cross-Border Commuter Tax Protocol Takes Effect
Latest News
Avalanche Severs Road and Rail Links to Lötschental, Disrupting Commuter Flow
A Level-4 avalanche closed the only road and the BLS Lötschberg car-rail service to the Lötschental valley on 12 February 2026, stranding commuters and tourists and disrupting supply lines to local resorts and hydro-plants. Authorities plan controlled blasting and hope to restore limited convoy traffic within 48 hours.
Mont Blanc Express Suspended Between Vallorcine and Chamonix Amid Avalanche Risk
High avalanche danger forced the Mont Blanc Express to suspend train services between Vallorcine (CH) and Chamonix/Argentière (FR) from the morning of 12 February 2026. Commuters and seasonal staff now face detours or temporary accommodation until the cross-border rail link and adjacent road can be secured.
Bern Keeps 2026 Work-Permit Quotas Unchanged, Signalling ‘Selective-Talent’ Approach
The Federal Council’s 11 February decision leaves 2026 immigration quotas untouched (8,500 permits for non-EU talent plus special tranches for EU contractors and UK nationals). While the move gives HR teams twelve months of certainty, it also keeps competition for Swiss work permits fierce and forces firms to prioritise only the most business-critical hires.
Airlines Warn EES Border Tech Could Create Four-Hour Queues – Swiss Hubs On Alert
A4E, IATA and ACI Europe say Schengen’s new Entry/Exit biometric border system is already causing two-hour waits and could reach four-hour peaks this summer. Swiss airports, which adopted EES in October, face the same pressure; companies are advised to add buffer time for travellers and monitor any last-minute derogations.
UAE Imposes Flat AED 50 Daily Overstay Fine – Swiss Travellers Advised to Double-Check Visa Dates
From 11 February the UAE charges a flat AED 50 per day for any visa overstay, scrapping previous grace periods. Swiss nationals – frequent users of visa-on-arrival privileges – risk hefty fines and possible exit bans if they miscalculate their length of stay, prompting employers to tighten compliance routines.
Population-Cap Referendum Set for June: 10 Million Ceiling Would Force Radical Migration Cuts
Swiss voters will decide in June whether to cap the population at 10 million, a move that would mandate sharp curbs on migration once 9.5 million is reached. The initiative threatens Switzerland’s EU free-movement deal and would force employers to rethink long-term talent strategies.
Swiss Embassy in Tehran Resumes Visa-C Appointments Amid Heightened Security Advisory
The Swiss Embassy in Tehran will re-open Schengen Visa-C appointment bookings on 12 February, but simultaneously reiterates that travel to Iran is not recommended due to regional instability. The limited restart helps Swiss firms bring Iranian partners to Switzerland yet carries a risk of sudden suspension.