In the News

Open Border Policy Extended

The Swiss people in February 2009 voted to continue allowing EU workers into the country to work. The referendum, which passed with a 60% vote, also went one step further and extended that courtesy to workers from two new member states, Romania and Bulgaria.

Switzerland's position on free labour movement has remained in the spotlight in the past few years. While not an EU-member country, it has attempted to participate in the free flow of labour across and into its borders. A policy condemned by right-wing politicians who see the move as opening a floodgate to potentially cheap labour that would hurt its economy during a recession. Supporters argue the policy is necessary to attract highly skilled workers to its borders.