Brussels, 20/07/2005 (Agence Europe) - Since entry into force, in June 2002, of the agreement on the free movement of persons between Switzerland and the European Union, immigration into Switzerland has fallen: from the EU/EFTA countries (25 Member States plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) has risen slightly, and that from third countries has fallen. These are the conclusions reached by the meeting of the Joint EU/Swiss Committee held early July in Brussels.
In 2004, demand for lasting permits (15,000 units per year for five-year stays) was high, and units available each quarter were used up in just one month. Only 60%, however, of the 115,500 short term residence permits (one year at most) were used. On 1 June last year, Switzerland waived salary control measures and those granting priority to nationals. In parallel, it introduced accompanying measures aimed at preventing wage and social dumping, as well as a procedure for announcing that stays of three months did not require authorisation.
On 5 June 2005, the Swiss agreed by referendum to allow their country to participate in the Schengen Area and the Dublin agreements with 54.6% of opinions in favour (see EUROPE 8962). On 25 September, they will again vote by referendum on extension of the EU/Switzerland agreement on the free movement of persons to the ten new Member Sates of the EU.