A majority of the foreign residents, namely 65% did not think that they experienced empathy from locals. Only 35% indicated perceived marks of support. This highlights the surprising finding that, although support and/or empathy by local residents had not been felt by many, the foreign residents still felt that Switzerland was the right place to be in during the pandemic.

It may be interesting to note that the percentage of women who experienced empathy from locals was slightly higher (38%) than their male counterparts (33%). In addition, those with a tertiary education felt slightly more empathy (37%), than those with no or only secondary level of education (33%).

How did foreign residents feel about living in Switzerland during the pandemic?

Did the pandemic affect the migrants’ plans to stay in Switzerland?

What was the impact of COVID-19 on the professional situation of migrants?

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Sources: Migration-Mobility Survey 2020, nccr – on the move

Note on methodology: These figures are taken from the Migration-Mobility Survey, conducted in fall 2022 on a population of persons born abroad and with foreign citizenship who have moved to Switzerland in the last 14 years. To be included in the sample population, respondents had to be between 24 and 64 years of age at the time of the survey, and at least 18 years of age on their arrival in Switzerland. 7,393 people replied to the full questionnaire, either online or by telephone.

The question asked: Did you experience support or empathy from the population living in Switzerland because of how your country of origin was affected by the COVID-19 outbreak?
– Yes, I did experience marks of support or empathy.
– No, I do not think so.

Terms of use: The Migration-Mobility Indicators are made available free of charge for non-commercial use. We ask the users to acknowledge the source.

Suggested citation: nccr – on the move, Migration-Mobility Indicators. Neuchâtel: nccr – on the move, 2021.

For more information about the data sets used, please click here.

Last update: 27 December 2021