Federal Council aims to make better use of the domestic labour force through family reunification reforms
Current rules
Individuals arriving in Switzerland through family reunification who currently lack prospects of employment or education will be registered with the Vocational, Educational and Career Guidance Service by the relevant cantonal or communal authorities. This service will assist these individuals in finding employment. During a consultation session, they will receive detailed information about Swiss labour market opportunities and requirements, the significance of vocational training, and the process for recognising foreign professional qualifications.
Overview
Switzerland's Federal Council proposes to amend the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act to better integrate family reunification beneficiaries into the labour market. The amendment would require registration with vocational guidance services for those without employment prospects. Concurrently, the Perspecta pilot programme, offering job search and qualification recognition support, is extended until 2030 to assist cantons with implementation.
Who is affected by the latest change
- Foreign nationals who come to Switzerland through family reunification with no prospect of employment or education
What changed in the latest version
Before
Foreign nationals who came to Switzerland through family reunification did not automatically register with the Vocational, Educational and Career Guidance Service if they had no job or education plans.
After
People who come to Switzerland through family reunification and do not have job or education plans will register with the Vocational, Educational and Career Guidance Service. This will be done by the canton or community authorities. This service will help these people find jobs. During a meeting, they will get detailed information. This information covers job chances and rules in Switzerland, why job training is important, and how to get foreign job qualifications recognised.
This policy change is important because it aims to help foreign nationals admitted through family reunification find jobs in Switzerland. This fits the Federal Council's goal to better use the Swiss workforce. By making people register with job guidance services, those who might struggle to find a job or education will get specific help. This could lead to more people in this group working. This is also a related step for the public vote called 'No to a Switzerland of 10 million!'. The Perspecta pilot programme will continue to help cantons carry out these new plans. It will also help check how well they work over a longer time.
Explained simply
Switzerland wants to help people who move there to join their families find jobs. This is a proposal, not an enacted law. They're suggesting a new rule that says if you come to Switzerland for family but don't have a job or school plan, you'll get connected to a service that helps you find work and understand how your skills from home can be used. They're also proposing to keep a special programme going until 2030 that helps these same people with job searching. The proposed changes are not in force yet.
Frequently asked
Version history
- v1Issued 22 Apr 2026ConsultationMedium impactFederal Council aims to make better use of the domestic labour force through family reunification reforms
The Federal Council in Switzerland started a process to change the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act. They suggest that people who come to Switzerland through family reunification and have no job or education plans must register with the Vocational, Educational and Career Guidance Service. This registration will be handled by authorities in the canton or community. This service will give information about finding a job, job training, and how to get foreign qualifications recognised. Also, the Perspecta pilot programme, which helps with finding jobs and recognising qualifications, will continue until 2030 to help the cantons. People can give their opinions on this proposed change until 12 August.
Timeline
Action deadline
12 Aug 2026
Review the proposed amendment to the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act during the consultation period.
Announced
22 Apr 2026
Switzerland's Federal Council proposes to amend the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act to better integrate family reunification beneficiaries into the labour market. The amendment would require registration with vocational guidance services for those without employment prospects. Concurrently, the Perspecta pilot programme, offering job search and qualification recognition support, is extended unt
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