Via the Local:
Non-EU workers and their relatives will have to prove knowledge of one of Switzerland's national languages if they want to stay in the country.
Immigration permits for non-European Union citizens will be harder to get in Switzerland, but the country will also have to improve its efforts to integrate the newly arrived. Those are the two main goals of the proposed new Immigration and Integration Act presented on Wednesday by the Federal Council, in agreement with the cantons.
"Switzerland can and should do more," Justice Minister Simonetta Sommaruga told reporters on Wednesday in Bern.
According to the draft, spouses or children of Swiss or non-Swiss nationals who aspire to reside in the country will have to prove they speak German, French or Italian, or that they have enrolled in a language course to learn one of the languages. This will only apply to citizens coming from outside the European Union, including adult children, with the exception of people who are disabled or illiterate.
"Language plays an absolutely central role in integration," said Sommaruga.
(...)
Other mandatory criteria that will have to be met include respect for the fundamental principles of the Swiss Constitution, respect for public safety and order, as well as a desire to participate in the economic life of the country or receive some sort of training.
(source)
