Swiss Review 5/2018

Swiss Review / September 2018 / No.5 26 news.admin.ch If a Swiss citizen returns to Switzerland from a non-EU/EFTA country and is unemployed, he or she can register with an unemployment insur- ance within one year following the return. The key requirement is that the registrationwith the umemployment insurance take place at the lat- est 12 months after the return. A confirmation from the employer is required, proving that the person concerned hadworked for at least twelve months during the past 24-month period. If these twelve months were spent working in Switzerland, the person is entitled to unemploy- ment benefits. To this extent, the regulations re- main the same. Unemployed after returning home from a third country So far, Swiss citizens returning from a non-EU/EFTA country could claim unemployment benefits in Switzerland, provided they had worked 12 months within the previous 24 months. It was irrelevant where these months were spent working. Since July 1st, 2018, modified regulations apply. Further information about emigrating and returning can be found at www.swissemigration.ch and in our publications. G u i d e Returning to Switzerland Swiss citizens living abroad What is new, is that returning citizens who have worked abroad for at least 12months are obliged to pay contributions. In addition, they must be able to prove that they were gainfully employed (other than self-employed) in Switzerland for six months within the stated 24-month period. For persons who have spent more than 18 months abroad thatmeans that after their return they need to work at least sixmonths in Switzer- land before they are entitled to unemployment benefits. That can lead to difficulties for some re- turning citizens. It is therefore advisable to have a financial cushion. Background The amendment came about as part of the implementation of the so-called “Mass Immigration Initiative” (article 121b of the Federal Constitution). The article stipulates, among other things, that entitlement to social benefits by persons who immigrate to Switzerland can be limited. Within the framework of this legislation, the Unemployment Insurance Act was also changed for Swiss citizens who return from outside the EU/EFTA, and who wish to receive daily allowances with contribution waivers from the unemploy- ment insurance. How many months were spent working within the past 24 months and where? Register with the unemployment insurance within 12 months of re- turning home ✆ from Switzerland +41 800 24 7 365 ✆ from abroad +41 58 465 33 33 E-Mail: helpline@eda.admin.ch Skype: helpline-eda www.eda.admin.ch/reisehinweise ✆ from Switzerland +41 800 24 7 365 ✆ from abroad +41 58 465 33 33 www.twitter.com/travel_edadfae Online registration for Swiss citizens travelling abroad www.fdfa.admin.ch/itineris App available for free for iOS and Android Travel advice Plan well. Travel well.