The Federal Council intends to ensure close bilateral relations with the United Kingdom even after Brexit. At the sitting of 13 February 2019 it therefore regulated the admission of British citizens in the event of a UK exit from the European Union without an agreement. For British citizens wishing to enter Switzerland from 30 March 2019 to gain gainful employment, a separate authorization quota will apply. The Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) will prepare the revision of the admission, residence and gainful employment (OASA) ordinance by the end of March 2019.
In the event of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union (EU) without an agreement, the free movement agreement will no longer apply between Switzerland and the United Kingdom as of March 30, 2019. The new entrances of UK citizens will therefore be in principle equivalent to those of third-country nationals. For admission for gainful employment, the conditions of admission of the law on foreigners and their integration (LStrI) will apply. If the United Kingdom leaves the EU with a withdrawal agreement, the current provisions of the agreement on the free movement of persons will continue to apply during a transitional phase (presumably until the end of 2020) to relations between Switzerland and the United Kingdom (ALC).
The maximum limit for British citizens should apply from 30 March to 31 December 2019. The Federal Council made its decision taking into account the position of the cantons, the needs of the economy and in light of the provisions of the article of the Federal Constitution on the regulation of the immigration (art.121st Constitution), in force since 9 February 2014.
In the current year, a total of 3500 British workers must be recruited: 2100 with a residence permit (B) and 1400 with a short-term residence permit (L). This solution guarantees the necessary flexibility to the Swiss economy.
These maximum ceilings are granted to the cantons per quarter. Provisionally, authorizations for British citizens are not subject to the admission procedure and their grant is the responsibility of the cantons. This measure takes into account the extraordinary situation in the United Kingdom and constitutes a transitory solution until the future migration regime is clarified.
The FDJP will carry out the work necessary for the revision of the OASA by the end of March and submit it to the Federal Council for final decision.
If you need assistance to travel in Switzerland or request a work permit or residence permit in Switzerland, our collaborators are ready to assist you from any legal and formal point of view for obtaining a permit in Switzerland and your transfer to Ticino and Switzerland.
Source: Federal Council: https://www.admin.ch/gov/it/pagina-iniziale/documentazione/comunicati-stampa.msg-id-73962.html
