Switzerland to invest 334.5 million francs in integration programs

The Swiss Bundesrat has approved a commitment credit of 334.5 million francs to fund integration programs for immigrants from 2028 to 2032. This represents an increase from the 248.8 million francs allocated for the 2024–2027 period.

Under the new program, the federal government expects to spend approximately 66.9 million francs annually. Of this, 37.3 million francs per year will be distributed to cantons for integration programs focusing on language support, information, counseling, and integration into education and the labor market. Cantons are required to match the federal contribution at least equally.

An additional 29.6 million francs per year will be dedicated to national programs and projects, such as the 'Integrationsvorlehre' (INVOL), aimed at better utilizing domestic labor potential. The government noted that successful integration reduces the long-term burden on social services. Currently, the employment rate for immigrants in Switzerland stands at 77 percent, which is among the highest in the OECD.