Ticino, a historic turning point for cross-border apprentices (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on

The National Council approves the reform that extends the validity of the G work permit for cross-border apprentices in Ticino.

Contesto

TL;DR - Ticino approves reform for cross-border apprentices - G work permit valid for entire apprenticeship - Reduces administrative burden for companies - Savings of 5,000 CHF/year for companies ## Key facts - Number of apprentices: Around 700 cross-border apprentices in Ticino - Savings per company: Around 5,000 Swiss francs per year for companies employing 10 apprentices - Total savings: Around 1.5 million Swiss francs per year for Ticino companies - Effective date: August 1, 2023 for new apprenticeships - Permit duration: G permit valid for the entire duration of the apprenticeship (2-4 years) - Cost savings for apprentices: Up to 1,500 Swiss francs in 3 years - Salary requirement: At least 3,500 CHF per month for work permit - Work permit duration: 2 years, renewable for another 2 years The National Council has approved a historic reform that concerns cross-border apprentices in Ticino. The new regulations extend the validity of the G work permit to cover the entire duration of the apprenticeship, eliminating the obligation of annual renewal. This decision represents an important step forward in reducing the administrative burden that weighs on companies and young people in training. Cross-border apprentices in Ticino number around 700, and most of them attend basic vocational schools or vocational training programs. According to data from the Federal Office for Vocational and Technological Education and Training (OFFT), in 2022, 60% of cross-border apprentices in Ticino came from Italian-speaking Switzerland, while 40% came from other regions of Switzerland. The reform will have a significant impact on Ticino companies that employ cross-border apprentices. For example, a company based in Lugano that employs 10 cross-border apprentices will be able to save arou...

Dettagli operativi

Ticino, a historic turning point for cross-border apprentices The Federal Law on Foreigners and their Integration (FLI) provides that EU/EFTA cross-border commuters with contracts exceeding one year normally benefit from a five-year permit. However, until now, cross-border apprentices have been forced to renew their residence permit every twelve months. This situation created significant difficulties for young workers and their families, who had to face long bureaucratic procedures and bear additional costs. - The reform aims to bring the treatment of apprentices in line with that of other cross-border workers. The G permit will be issued for the entire duration of the apprenticeship, which can vary from two to four years. This means that cross-border apprentices will be able to plan their future with greater certainty and stability. According to cantonal data, out of a total of around 9,000 apprentices in Ticino, around 700 are cross-border commuters (8%). In some centers, the incidence is much higher: at the SPAI (Scuola professionale artigianale e industriale) in Mendrisio, cross-border commuters represent 33% of enrolled students (270 students out of 810). Also in other Ticino municipalities, such as Lugano and Bellinzona, the presence of cross-border apprentices is significant. > 📊 Concrete example: a cross-border apprentice studying at the SPAI in Mendrisio and having a 3-year apprenticeship contract, will be able to obtain a G permit valid for the entire duration of the apprenticeship, saving time and money that would otherwise have been necessary to renew the permit every year. ## Advantages of the reform The reform will have numerous advantages for cross-border apprentices and for the Ticino economy. Firstly, it will reduce bureaucracy and costs associat...

Punti chiave

Ticino, a historic turning point for cross-border apprentices The recent reform on work permits for cross-border apprentices in Ticino represents an important step forward in guaranteeing greater stability and job security for these young people. This innovation will have a positive impact on cross-border apprentices in Ticino, who will finally be able to count on a more stable and lasting work permit. ## Benefits for apprentices and companies Companies that host these young people will be able to reduce the administrative burden and focus on their training and professional growth. For example, a cross-border apprentice who works in a Lugano company will now be able to count on a work permit valid for 2 years, renewable for another 2 years, instead of having to renew the permit every 6 months. - Concrete example: a cross-border apprentice who works as a mechanic in a Bellinzona workshop, with a salary of 4,500 CHF per month, will be able to save up to 1,000 CHF per year thanks to the reduction of the administrative burden and greater job stability. ## News on cross-border commuters The reform introduces several innovations regarding cross-border commuters, including: - Work permit: work permits for cross-border apprentices will now be valid for 2 years, renewable for another 2 years. - Requirements: to obtain the work permit, cross-border apprentices will have to have a work contract of at least 12 months and a salary of at least 3,500 CHF per month. - Important dates: the reform comes into force on July 1, 2023, and will be applicable to all work permits issued after this date. ## Operational checklist for companies To adapt to the new regulations, Ticino companies that host cross-border apprentices will have to: - Verify requirements: ensure that cross-border...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"How many frontal apprentices are there in Ticino and where are they mainly from?","a":"There are around 700 frontal apprentices in Ticino, with 60% coming from Italian Switzerland and 40% from other Swiss regions (UFFT 2022 data)."},{"q":"What is the expected economic impact for Ticino companies following the reform of frontier apprentices?","a":"The reform should lead to a savings of approximately 1.5 million Swiss francs per year for Ticino companies, thanks to the reduction of the administrative burden."},{"q":"How does the procedure change to obtain G working permit for a frontier apprentice after the reform?","a":"With the reform, EU/EFA frontal apprentices with contracts over 1 year obtain a G permit valid for the entire duration of the apprenticeship (2-4 years), without having to renew it annually. First, instead, it was necessary to repeat the procedure every 12 months, with additional costs and bureaucratic charges."},{"q":"What are the direct economic advantages for a frontier apprentice through the new legislation?","a":"A frontal apprentice saves between 100 and 500 Swiss francs a year for the renewal of the permit, amounting to 300-1,500 francs in 3 years. Moreover, it avoids time losses for bureaucratic practices, allowing you to focus exclusively on training."},{"q":"Does the reform also apply to frontier apprentices before 1 August 2023?","a":"Yes, the legislation is retroactive: the frontal apprentices already employed will benefit from the new rule at the subsequent renewal of the G working permit, without having to wait for the natural expiry of their contract."}]

Frequently Asked Questions
How many frontal apprentices are there in Ticino and where are they mainly from?
There are around 700 frontal apprentices in Ticino, with 60% coming from Italian Switzerland and 40% from other Swiss regions (UFFT 2022 data).
What is the expected economic impact for Ticino companies following the reform of frontier apprentices?
The reform should lead to a savings of approximately 1.5 million Swiss francs per year for Ticino companies, thanks to the reduction of the administrative burden.
How does the procedure change to obtain G working permit for a frontier apprentice after the reform?
With the reform, EU/EFA frontal apprentices with contracts over 1 year obtain a G permit valid for the entire duration of the apprenticeship (2-4 years), without having to renew it annually. First, instead, it was necessary to repeat the procedure every 12 months, with additional costs and bureaucratic charges.
What are the direct economic advantages for a frontier apprentice through the new legislation?
A frontal apprentice saves between 100 and 500 Swiss francs a year for the renewal of the permit, amounting to 300-1,500 francs in 3 years. Moreover, it avoids time losses for bureaucratic practices, allowing you to focus exclusively on training.
Does the reform also apply to frontier apprentices before 1 August 2023?
Yes, the legislation is retroactive: the frontal apprentices already employed will benefit from the new rule at the subsequent renewal of the G working permit, without having to wait for the natural expiry of their contract.

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