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Coronavirus: Net migration to Switzerland to fall to record lows

The Local
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Coronavirus: Net migration to Switzerland to fall to record lows
Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

Net migration to Switzerland is set to fall to below 50,000 for the first time due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, a new report has found.

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The figures come from a report prepared by Credit Suisse looking at the current economic outlook for the country. 

According to the findings, net migration for 2021 will drop to 45,000 - due largely to a depressed job market as a result of the pandemic. 

The number is the lowest level since European Union freedom of movement laws were put in place in 2007. 

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The prediction for 2020 is slightly more optimistic, with a net migration of 50,000 - only 3,000 lower than that of 2019. 

While Switzerland’s borders were closed from March 25th to June 8th, the fall in migration was mitigated by a high level of new arrivals in the first quarter of 2020 - along with a 20 percent decline in foreign nationals leaving this year. 

Late in September, Switzerland is set to go to the polls to vote on a referendum to restrict migration. 

EXPLAINED: Switzerland's referendum to restrict EU migration 

The ‘moderate immigration limitation initiative' will restrict EU freedom of movement in Switzerland.

 

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