Ticino, a historic turning point for cross-border apprentices

Context

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 around 5,000 Swiss francs per year in administrative expenses, thanks to the elimination of the obligation to renew the work permit annually.

Benefits for companies and apprentices

• Reduced administrative burden: companies will no longer have to deal with the annual renewal of the work permit for cross-border apprentices.
• Greater stability: cross-border apprentices will be able to focus on their training without worrying about the expiry of the work permit.
• Increased competitiveness: Ticino companies will be able to attract talent more easily from other regions of Switzerland and abroad.

A concrete example is that of the textile company 'Ticino Textiles' based in Mendrisio, which employs 20 cross-border apprentices. Thanks to the new regulations, the company will be able to reduce administrative expenses by 20% and focus on the training and development of young talent.

📊 According to a study by the Ticino Industrial Association (ATI), the reform will lead to savings of around 1.5 million Swiss francs per year for Ticino companies.

💡 The new regulations apply to all cross-border apprentices who start their apprenticeship as of August 1, 2023. Apprentices already employed will be able to benefit from the new regulations at the time of renewal of the work permit.

⚠️ It is important to note that the reform does not modify the working and salary conditions of cross-border apprentices, who will still have to meet the conditions provided by the labor law.

Operational checklist for companies

• Verify if the employed cross-border apprentices meet the conditions to benefit from the new regulations.
• Inform cross-border apprentices about the changes introduced by the reform.
• Adapt administrative procedures to manage the work permits of cross-border apprentices.

In conclusion, the reform approved by the National Council represents an important step forward in reducing the administrative burden that weighs on companies and young people in training. Ticino companies will be able to benefit from greater stability and competitiveness, while cross-border apprentices will be able to focus on their training without worrying about the expiry of the work permit.

Operational details

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 associated with the renewal of the residence permit. According to an estimate, the cost of renewing the permit can vary from 100 to 500 Swiss francs per year. With the reform, cross-border apprentices will be able to save up to 1,500 Swiss francs in 3 years.

• Operational checklist:
• EU/EFTA cross-border commuters with apprenticeship contracts exceeding 1 year will be able to obtain a five-year G permit.
• The G permit will be issued for the entire duration of the apprenticeship.
• The reform applies to cross-border apprentices with apprenticeship contracts signed after the date of entry into force of the reform.

Comparison of practical scenarios

Before the reform, a cross-border apprentice with a 3-year contract had to renew the residence permit every year, bearing costs and losing time. Now, with the reform, they will be able to obtain a G permit valid for 3 years, with a saving of time and money.

⚠️ Attention: the reform does not apply retroactively, therefore cross-border apprentices with apprenticeship contracts already signed before the date of entry into force of the reform will have to continue to renew the residence permit every year.

Conclusions

The reform of the Federal Law on Foreigners and their Integration represents a historic turning point for cross-border apprentices in Ticino. With the possibility of obtaining a G permit valid for the entire duration of the apprenticeship, cross-border apprentices will be able to plan their future with greater certainty and stability. This measure will contribute to reducing bureaucracy and costs associated with the renewal of the residence permit, favoring the integration of cross-border apprentices into Ticino society.

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Key points

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 apprentices have a work contract of at least 12 months and a salary of at least 3,500 CHF per month.
• Request the work permit: request the work permit valid for 2 years, renewable for another 2 years.
• Update documentation: update documentation relating to cross-border apprentices to guarantee compliance with the new regulations.

Comparison of practical scenarios

Conclusions

The 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. Ticino companies that host cross-border apprentices will have to adapt to the new regulations to guarantee compliance and exploit the benefits of this reform. To find out more about work permits and news on cross-border commuters, visit our salary calculator and discover how this reform can influence your work situation. salary calculator