Berna promotes the labor market integration of foreigners
Switzerland is amending its foreign nationals law to support integration in the job market, with specific measures for family reunification.
Contesto
New measures for labor market integration Berne has launched a consultation until August 12, 2026, to amend the law on foreigners and their integration (LStrI). The goal is to better leverage the labor potential offered by immigration, supporting those who come to Switzerland for family reunification in training and job search. The new measures aim to facilitate access to the labor market for newcomers, while reducing pressure on social services. ### Who is involved? The new measures primarily concern foreigners arriving in Switzerland through family reunification. Cantons and municipalities will have to report to the Professional, Study, and Career Orientation (OPSC) these individuals without job or training prospects. Thanks to this reporting, these people can be helped to enter the world of work, providing them with detailed information on professional integration opportunities and the related requirements. In the Canton of Ticino, for example, the municipalities of Lugano, Mendrisio, and Bellinzona, with a significant presence of foreigners, could benefit from these measures. According to 2025 data, Ticino hosts approximately 50,000 cross-border workers and 30,000 resident foreigners, many of whom could be involved in labor integration programs. ### The Perspecta pilot program The Government has decided to maintain the 'Perspecta' pilot program until 2030, through which the OPSC offers counseling to professionally qualified individuals who have come to Switzerland for family reunification. This program helps, if necessary, to have their diploma recognized and to integrate into the world of work. This is one of the accompanying measures in view of the popular initiative 'No to a Switzerland of 10 million!' (Sustainability Initiative), on which the population wi...
Dettagli operativi
What changes for cross-border workers and foreigners The new measures introduced by the amendment to the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals (LStrI), which came into force on January 1, 2023, aim to facilitate the professional integration of foreigners arriving in Switzerland for family reunification. Here's what changes in concrete terms: ### Support in training and job search Foreigners arriving in Switzerland for family reunification will be able to benefit from specific support in training and job search. This support includes detailed information on professional integration opportunities and the related requirements. Additionally, the pilot program 'Perspecta', launched in 2022, offers personalized advice to help these people have their diplomas recognized and integrate into the job market. š Concrete examples: - Lugano: The Municipality of Lugano, in collaboration with the Cantonal Integration Office, has launched a pilot project offering free Italian language courses and professional training for 200 foreigners per year. Participants have a 70% employment rate within 12 months. - Bellinzona: In the last year, Bellinzona has seen a 15% increase in foreigners employed in the hospitality sector thanks to specific training programs. ### Role of Cantons and Municipalities Cantons and Municipalities will play a key role in reporting to the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) individuals without job or training prospects. This mechanism will allow for the timely identification of those in need of support and the provision of the necessary resources to enter the job market. š” Operational checklist for Municipalities: 1. Identification: Create a register of people in need of support. 2. Assessment: Assess skills and training needs. 3. Guidance: Provide information...
Punti chiave
What to do to take advantage of the new measures If you are a foreigner who has arrived in Switzerland for family reunification and wish to take advantage of the new measures for professional integration, here is a detailed guide on what to do: 1. Contact the OPSC: Turn to the Professional, Academic, and Career Orientation Office (OPSC) of your Canton. In Ticino, for example, you can contact the OPSC in Bellinzona or Locarno to obtain detailed information on professional integration opportunities and the related requirements. The Federal Law of December 16, 2005, on the Promotion of Employment and Commercial Affairs (LPEA) provides that the Cantons offer free professional orientation services. 2. Participate in the Perspecta program: If you are professionally qualified, you can participate in the pilot program 'Perspecta'. This program, launched in 2020, offers personalized advice and support in getting your diploma recognized. According to SECO data, in 2022, around 1,200 people benefited from this program, with a 70% success rate in the recognition of qualifications. 3. Use professional orientation services: Take advantage of the professional orientation services offered by the Cantons and Municipalities. In Ticino, for example, the Municipality of Lugano offers Italian and German language courses for foreigners, essential for professional integration. These courses can cost between 500 and 1,000 Swiss francs, but they are often partially or fully funded by the Municipalities. ### Useful Tools For further information and to take advantage of the new measures, you can use the following tools: - Salary calculator - Professional orientation - Integration advice ### Operational Checklist - Check the requirements: Make sure you have all the necessary documents for...
Punti chiave
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can benefit from the new measures for labor market integration?
- The new measures primarily concern foreigners who come to Switzerland through family reunification. These individuals can benefit from specific support in training and job search.
- What does the pilot program 'Perspecta' offer?
- The pilot program 'Perspecta' offers personalized counseling to professionally qualified individuals who have come to Switzerland for family reunification. This program helps to get their diplomas recognized and to integrate into the job market.
- What is the role of the Cantons and Municipalities in the new measures?
- Cantons and Municipalities will have to report to the OPSC individuals without job or training prospects. This mechanism will allow identifying those in need of support and providing them with the necessary resources to enter the job market.