Has the Quadri motion already been approved?

No. This is a policy proposal filed on 28 April 2026. To become law, it must be approved by the Federal Council and the Swiss Parliament. Currently, the unemployment insurance system for frontier workers remains unchanged.

If approved, when would it take effect?

Implementation times are not specified in the motion. As a rule, changes of this type require at least 12-24 months between parliamentary approval and entry into force, with possible transitional periods.

What changes for those who already perceive Swiss unemployment?

Rights acquired prior to the possible entry into force of the new rule would not be affected. Those who are already unemployed and benefit from the Swiss allowance would continue to receive it under the current rules.

Switzerland: motion against unemployment for frontier workers (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on 18 July 2026

National Councillor Lorenzo Quadri proposes to exclude frontier workers from Swiss unemployment insurance. Here are the details.

Context

In a nutshell

What: Motion to exclude frontier workers from Swiss unemployment insurance
Who: National Councillor Lorenzo Quadri
To whom: Federal Council
Status: Proposal awaiting discussion

Key facts

What: Exclusion of frontier workers from Swiss unemployment benefits
Who: Motion presented by Lorenzo Quadri (national councillor)
Recipient: Federal Council
Context: Current system provides for mandatory contributions of border crossers to the AVS/AI/AD and LAINF

National Councillor Lorenzo Quadri filed a motion with the Federal Council asking that frontier workers be excluded from the Swiss unemployment insurance system. The proposal, based on the argument that frontier workers maintain tax residence in Italy, raises questions about the current contribution framework.

Currently, frontier workers are required to pay 5.3% of their salary to the AVS/AI/IPG, 1.1% to the AD/AC (up to CHF 148'200), 0.7-1.5% to the LAINF and contributions to the second pillar (LPP) according to age groups. These levies finance the Swiss social security system, including unemployment insurance (AD).

Position of the proposer

The motion argues that, since border workers do not reside in Switzerland and pay direct taxes in Italy (thanks to the tax credit provided by the EC framework of 730), they should not benefit from Swiss unemployment benefits. The full text of the

Operational details

Practical implications if approved

The motion, if accepted, would involve:

1. End of AD withdrawals for border crossers

Swiss employers would no longer withhold the AD contribution (1.1% on salary, up to CHF 148'200) for frontier workers. This would reduce the cost of labour for companies employing frontier workers.

2. Exclusion from allowances

Unemployed frontier workers could no longer claim Swiss unemployment benefit (currently up to 80% of salary, capped at CHF 350 per day). Instead, they should rely exclusively on the Italian NASPI or other forms of support from the country of residence.

3. Impact on cantonal accounts

The border cantons (Ticino, Geneva, Basel Campagna and Valais) would save on administrative costs related to the disbursement of allowances, but would lose the contributions paid by border workers to the AD system. In 2023, frontier workers paid CHF 120 million to Swiss unemployment insurance (seco data).

4. Legal Matters

The exclusion could conflict with the principle of equal treatment of workers provided for in the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons with the EU, applicable to frontier workers. Switzerland should assess the risk of infringement proceedings by Brussels.

Comparison with the current system

| Appearance | Current system | Framework Proposal

Useful planning tools

To estimate your pension strategy, use the pension planner and the pillar 3 simulator.

Key points

What should frontier workers do now?

The motion is only a policy proposal and requires the approval of the Federal Council and Parliament to become law. Discussion times have not been announced.

Recommended steps:

1. Monitor developments: Follow the official communications of SECO and the Federal Council. 2. Check your situation: Already unemployed frontier workers who receive Swiss benefits retain their acquired rights until the legislation changes. 3. Financial planning: Assess the potential impact on your safety net in the event of future unemployment. 4. Consult an expert: For specific cases, contact an Italian-Swiss tax advisor or the relevant trade unions.

Useful tools

To calculate the current impact of contributions on net salary, use our calcolatore stipendio frontalieri.

FAQ

Q: Is the motion already law? A: No, it is a proposal awaiting discussion. The current system remains unchanged.

Q: Will contributions already paid be refunded? A: The motion does not provide for refunds. Contributions paid remain in the system.

Q: What happens if I work in Switzerland but reside in another canton? A: The proposal only concerns border workers (permit G). Swiss residents retain all AD rights.

Source: ticinolive.ch

Frequently Asked Questions

Has the Quadri motion already been approved?: No. This is a policy proposal filed on 28 April 2026. To become law, it must be approved by the Federal Council and the Swiss Parliament. Currently, the unemployment insurance system for frontier workers remains unchanged.
If approved, when would it take effect?: Implementation times are not specified in the motion. As a rule, changes of this type require at least 12-24 months between parliamentary approval and entry into force, with possible transitional periods.
What changes for those who already perceive Swiss unemployment?: Rights acquired prior to the possible entry into force of the new rule would not be affected. Those who are already unemployed and benefit from the Swiss allowance would continue to receive it under the current rules.