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.

What changed in the latest version

This policy change is important because it aims to help people from other countries who join their families in Switzerland find work. It supports the Federal Council's goal to make better use of workers in the country. People who might otherwise struggle to find a job or education will get specific support because registration with vocational guidance services will be mandatory. This could mean more of these people join the workforce. This is also a measure linked to the public vote 'No to a Switzerland of 10 million!'. The Perspecta pilot programme's extension makes sure cantons continue to get support to put these new measures in place. It also lets them check how well the measures 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

1. v1Issued 22 Apr 2026ConsultationMedium impact
   Federal Council aims to make better use of the domestic labour force through family reunification reforms

   The Federal Council in Switzerland has started a process to change the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act. They propose that people who arrive through family reunification and have no job or education plans must register with the Vocational, Educational and Career Guidance Service. This service will give information about finding a job, job training, and how to get foreign qualifications recognised. Cantonal or communal authorities will handle this registration. Also, the Perspecta pilot programme has been extended until 2030. This programme helps people find jobs and get qualifications recognised. It helps the cantons. People can give their views on this proposed change until 12 August.

Timeline

1. Action deadline

   12 Aug 2026

   Review the proposed amendment to the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act during the consultation period.

2. 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