Migratory Trajectories of Foreign Nationals in Switzerland: A State of Constant Mobility?

in a nutshell #8
Jonathan Zufferey
January 2018

online version
to print A3

Messages for Decision-Makers

While the number of foreign nationals who have migrated to and settled permanently in Switzerland has grown in recent years, this is still not the most common migration trajectory. Most migrants leave the country after a few years.

Hypermobility trajectories are not common in Switzerland and occur chiefly among migrants who are required to return to their home country and for whom reentry is authorized, as was the case for seasonal workers before the signing of the Agreement on the free movement of persons (AFMP).

The trajectories of migrants who have recently arrived is characterized more and more by internal movement within Switzerland.