Foreigners in Switzerland faced multiple concerns this summer, including access to swimming facilities, healthcare, and fair wages.
In Switzerland, a persistent wage gap between Swiss nationals and foreign workers has been observed, despite recent increases in salaries. While precise statistics on the gap are not explicitly quantified, a new study by a research team from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) and the University of Geneva suggests that the gap likely persists due to structural labor market factors, skill and experience disparities, and integration challenges.
The study found that foreign employees are paid less than their Swiss counterparts for comparable jobs. The reasons for this wage disparity are multifaceted, with differences in educational background, local work experience, and language skills playing significant roles in influencing salaries and career progression in Switzerland.
Furthermore, foreign workers may face additional barriers such as varying access to senior positions, labor market segmentation, or limited integration into Swiss professional networks, which affect their pay compared to Swiss nationals. Relocation and family considerations also complicate long-term commitments for foreign workers, potentially impacting job stability and wage negotiation leverage.
High-level salaries show less difference, indicating that the wage gap may be more pronounced at lower and mid-level positions. However, it's important to note that the study's focus tends to be more on gender wage gaps (about 12% lower for women full-time on average) rather than nationality-based wage gaps.
Meanwhile, the issue of foreigners' access to public facilities has been a topic of discussion in several Swiss cities. One more city, not specified, is considering banning foreigners from its swimming pools due to problematic behaviour. The municipal council of Porrentruy (Jura) has already enacted a ban on groups of young people from neighbouring France from visiting a public pool until August 31st. Basel, which borders France and Germany, is considering a similar ban due to harassment, aggression, and disrespect. In the Ticino municipality of Mendrisio, a restriction is proposed at its swimming facility during peak times like weekends and national holidays, targeting Italians.
In other news, a proposal has been made to levy special fees on foreign motorists transiting through Switzerland during heavy travel periods to prevent traffic jams at key roads like the Gotthard tunnel. This proposal is currently under debate in future parliamentary sessions.
Moreover, a bilateral agreement between Bern and Brussels, concluded in December 2024, modifies the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP) for EU citizens working in Switzerland. The changes set terms for employment-based immigration, new 'permanent residency' status, and laxer family reunification rules.
The lower healthcare costs for foreigners can be partially attributed to the age structure of the foreign population, as they have a higher proportion of working-age individuals. However, many foreigners return to their home countries before retirement, reducing their access to Swiss healthcare.
In conclusion, while the Swiss-foreign wage gap remains a complex issue, the new study provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to the disparity. Further detailed and recent statistics would be necessary to quantify and analyze this wage gap comprehensively. The ongoing discussions about foreigners' access to public facilities and the recent changes to immigration policies reflect the ongoing debate about immigration in Switzerland.
Science reveals foreign employees in Switzerland are paid less for similar jobs, primarily due to differences in education, work experience, language skills, and integration challenges (health-and-wellness). The study also suggests that these workers face additional barriers, such as labor market segmentation and restricted access to senior positions, which further impact their salaries (science).
