Switzerland – Update on Brexit Withdrawal Policy for U.K. Citizens
Switzerland – Update on Brexit Withdrawal Policy for U.
This report covers Swiss plans to introduce a quota of 3,500 permits for U.K. nationals coming to Switzerland after of Brexit..
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In the event of the U.K.'s disorderly1 withdrawal from the European Union (EU) without an agreement (“no-deal Brexit”), U.K. citizens entering Switzerland for the first time after 12 April 2019 (or any other extension date agreed upon between the U.K. and the EU)2 will generally be treated as any other non-EU-nationals. Requirements such as the priority of Swiss/EU nationals, quota for non-EU-citizens, salary requirements, and personal qualification requirements (etc.) would basically apply.
However, in order to foster the close bilateral relations it has with the U.K., on 13 February 2019, the Swiss Federal Council decided to introduce a separate quota of 3,500 permits for U.K. citizens as a temporary measure that will apply until such time that future immigration agreements have been reached.3
WHY THIS MATTERS
The current 2019 quota for non-EU-citizens will not be burdened by a no-deal-Brexit and U.K. citizens will receive privileged treatment in respect of their falling under a comparably very high quota, which is separate from the one for previous non-EU nationals.
At This Stage - Context
The date for Brexit was originally set for 29 March 2019, and was recently extended to 12 April 2019. The U.K. has requested a further extension from the EU. Currently, the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement4 has not been approved by the U.K. Parliament. British MPs voted on 14 March 2019, in favor of delaying the U.K.’s departure from the EU beyond 29 March 2019. And on 29 March - the original day that the U.K. was due to leave the EU - MPs rejected it for a third time (this vote was slightly different as it did not include the political declaration). EU leaders agreed to an extension until 12 April 2019, and a further extension to 22 May 2019, if Parliament votes to accept the Withdrawal Agreement.5
Businesses and people affected by Brexit should (continue to) prepare for a no-deal Brexit.
Quota Rules: Allocation to Cantons
This quota will be allocated to the cantons on a quarterly basis and will apply from 30 March to 31 December 2019. Until further notice, permits for British citizens will be issued by the cantons (without the involvement of the Swiss federal authorities).
KPMG NOTE
In the meantime, discussions regarding a possible agreement between the U.K. and Switzerland permitting derogations from immigration requirements for U.K. citizens, temporarily, are in progress.
The KPMG Immigration Team will endeavour to update you regularly on this matter.
FOOTNOTES
1The terms used by the Swiss Federal Council: “en cas de retrait désordonné”/” "eines ungeordneten Austritts des Vereinigten Königreichs aus der Europäischen Union”.
2For the announcement in English from the Swiss Federal Council, click here.
Due to an agreement the Swiss Federal Council approved with the U.K. in December 2018 this quota would not apply to those British citizens who are already living in Switzerland and who acquired rights (e.g. of residence) in Switzerland under the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons between Switzerland and the EU. Their residency rights shall be safeguarded.
3According to a “Brexit preparedness” press release dated 25 March 2019 from the European Commission: Following a request by Prime Minister Theresa May, the European Council (Article 50) agreed (PDF 119 KB) on Thursday 21 March to extend the U.K.'s departure date to 22 May 2019, provided the Withdrawal Agreement is approved by the House of Commons by 29 March 2019 at the latest. If the Withdrawal Agreement is not approved by the House of Commons by then, the European Council has agreed to an extension until 12 April 2019. In that scenario, the United Kingdom would be expected to indicate a way forward before this date.
4See “Draft Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, as agreed at negotiators' level on 14 November 2018,” on the website for the European Commission.
5For up-to-date developments concerning the U.K.’s “Brexit” dealings with the EU, please refer to the “European Commission London Office Weekly News Round-up” and other news on the website of the Representation of the European Commission in the United Kingdom.
RELATED LINKS
* Please note that KPMG LLP (U.S.) does not provide immigration services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Switzerland.
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