Baume-Schneider emphasizes progress in wage protection
Published: Friday, Dec 15th 2023, 15:30
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According to Justice Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, Switzerland has been able to secure several exemptions from the EU in the area of the free movement of persons. If the EU Citizens Directive is integrated into the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons, Swiss special features will be taken into account.
Baume-Schneider told the media in Bern on Friday that it was important to the Federal Council that, firstly, the consequences of such a takeover for the Swiss social system are limited, secondly, the provisions of the Federal Constitution on criminal expulsion from the country are complied with and, thirdly, the level of Swiss wage protection is maintained. We are on the right track.
According to Baume-Schneider, this enabled possible solutions to be found for several issues that had proved to be hurdles in the talks on the institutional agreement in 2021. "The EU has assured us of exceptions."
Examples include the pre-registration period for foreign companies wishing to provide services in Switzerland and the deposit requirement. "Switzerland can continue to carry out labor inspections and enforce the labor law," said Baume-Schneider.
According to Baume-Schneider, Switzerland would also be allowed to expel EU citizens with criminal convictions from the country. Furthermore, the right of permanent residence provided for in the EU Citizens Directive, which EU nationals are entitled to after five years of residence, should only be available to gainfully employed persons in Switzerland.
©Keystone/SDA
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