Switzerland committee proposes immigration tax on EU workers

A committee of Switzerland’s Council of States has proposed introducing an immigration levy on workers from the European Union. The measure would be triggered if migration increases sharply following the implementation of Bilateral Agreements III.

According to Council of States member Andrea Caroni, the levy would be activated only after the Federal Council invokes a safeguard clause. The proposed fee would be at least CHF 4,000 annually for workers, with companies paying for employees and individuals paying for themselves under family reunification rules. Proponents argue the tax would encourage employers to hire from the domestic workforce, help newcomers contribute to immigration-related costs, and allow the revenue to be redistributed to the resident population.

The Federal Council has previously raised legal concerns, stating that such a charge on EU and EFTA citizens might be incompatible with the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons. Additionally, a levy on family members could potentially conflict with the European Convention on Human Rights.