The Migration-Mobility Survey revealed that a significant majority of the participants (80%) experienced an improvement in their professional situation after migrating. However, 11% believed that their situation remained unchanged, while an additional 9% felt their professional situation had worsened since arriving in Switzerland. Notably, individuals from Southern European countries (Italy, Spain and Portugal) had the highest rates of improvement ranging from 84% to 89%. In contrast, North Americans, Poles and Britons had the lowest rates with 78% or less reporting an improvement.
The responses from Portuguese individuals were intriguing, as they indicated a significant improvement in their professional situation but also reported a lower level of using their professional skills in the job market.
Male respondents, those under 40 years old, individuals who arrived in Switzerland before 2018, and, as one would expect, those who migrated for professional or educational purposes, were more likely to report a positive change in their professional situation compared to others.
In general, migration seems to have a predominantly positive impact on the professional level, although a minority of migrants, particularly women and those in the later stages of their careers, perceive a decline in their professional situation due to migration. The differences between men and women can be mainly attributed to the fact that more women tend to migrate alongside their male partners rather than the other way around.
Are migrants satisfied with their decision to move to Switzerland?
In which sectors of the economy do most of the migrants work?
Are migrants using their professional skills?
For what reasons do people migrate to Switzerland?
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Source: Migration-Mobility Survey 2022, 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 16 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. 7,206 people replied to the full questionnaire, either online or by telephone.
The question asked: When comparing your professional situation today with your situation before moving to Switzerland, how would you rate it?
It has…
– improved substantially;
– improved slightly;
– remained the same;
– worsened slightly;
– worsened substantially.
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, 2023.
For more information about the data sets used, please click here.
Last update: 14 July 2023