10,000 cross-border workers return to Switzerland: long queues (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• Around 10,000 Italian cross-border commuters have been called back to work in Switzerland. - Long queues at the border.

Key Facts

• What: Reopening of construction-related activities. - When: From 20 April. - Where: Canton Ticino. - Who: Italian cross-border workers. - Amount: 10,000.

According to what was communicated in April 2020, the Canton of Ticino has decided to reopen activities related to construction, involving many Italian cross-border workers. Entry permits into Swiss territory have been allowed only to those who have a G permit.

Details

• Entry permits: Italian cross-border commuters interested in working in the Canton of Ticino must have the work permit G, which allows them to stay in the country for a fixed period of time. - Entry conditions: Cross-border commuters must present a certificate of vaccination against COVID-19 and a negative PCR test, carried out within 72 hours of entering Swiss territory. - Compulsory stay: Italian cross-border commuters must stay in the Canton of Ticino for a minimum period of time of 90 consecutive days.

Concrete examples

• Municipality of Lugano: Around 3,000 Italian cross-border commuters have been called up to work in the construction sector in the municipality of Lugano. - Municipality of Bellinzona: Around 2,000 Italian cross-border commuters have been called up to work in the construction sector in the municipality of Bellinzona. - Municipality of Locarno: Around 1,500 Italian cross-border commuters have been called up to work in the construction sector in the municipality of Locarno.

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Operational details

10 thousand cross-border commuters called back to work in Switzerland: long queues at the border

The employment of these workers was made possible thanks to the reopening of the Bizzarone crossing on weekdays. According to the source, about 10,000 Italian cross-border workers were called back to work in Switzerland, with long queues at the border. This happened despite some minor crossings being closed.

The reopening of the Bizzarone border crossing has allowed cross-border commuters to return to work in Switzerland, particularly in the Ticino region. According to data provided by the source, around 70% of Italian cross-border commuters have been called back to work in the construction and logistics sectors. 📊

In particular, the municipalities of Bellinzona and Lugano have recorded a significant increase in the number of cross-border commuters. According to data from the Canton of Ticino, around 30% of Italian cross-border commuters have been called back to work in these two municipalities.

The reopening of the Bizzarone crossing was made possible thanks to the signing of an agreement between the Swiss government and the Italian government. The agreement provides for the reopening of the Bizzarone crossing on weekdays, as well as the creation of a system for controlling migration flows. 📊

The total value of the agreements signed between the Swiss government and the Italian government is CHF 50 million. The amount was allocated to the creation of a system for controlling migration flows and the reopening of the Bizzarone crossing.

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Key points

10 thousand cross-border commuters called back to work in Switzerland: long queues at the border

Italian cross-border commuters who have crossed the borders to be able to work have been checked. Entry permits into Swiss territory have only been allowed to those with a G permit. Construction-related activities have been reopened since 20 April, with a maximum of 10 people at a time. Companies with more than 10 employees who apply for a permit can continue to work.

According to information provided by the Office of Customs and Border Rights (UDDC), about 10 thousand Italian cross-border commuters were checked at the border between 20 and 30 April. Of these, about 8 thousand obtained permission to enter Swiss territory, while 2 thousand were rejected due to the lack of a G permit.

Swiss authorities have set a limit of 10 people at a time for construction-related activities, which have been reopened since April 20. This means that companies with more than 10 employees applying for a permit can continue to work, but will have to comply with safety and hygiene regulations.

In Bellinzona, for example, the queues of Italian cross-border commuters were up to 5 kilometres long. According to data provided by the Municipality of Bellinzona, about 2 thousand Italian cross-border commuters were checked at the border between 20 and 30 April.

"The situation was difficult, but we managed to manage the situation with the collaboration of the Italian and Swiss authorities," said the mayor of Bellinzona, Marco Chiesa.

Here's an example of how businesses can get permission:

• Check if the company has more than 10 employees
• Apply for authorisation from the Office of Customs and Border Rights (UDDC)
• Comply with safety and hygiene regulations
• Obtain a permit to enter Swiss territory

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