Migration projects gradually take shape after arrival in Switzerland

Expectations concerning the duration of stay in Switzerland, at the time of arrival and at the date of the Survey (Source: Migration-Mobility Survey 2018)

When asked to express themselves on the expected duration of stay in Switzerland and possible return migration, more than half (56%) of the respondents stated that they had not had any specific expectations upon arrival in Switzerland. 23% thought they would stay in Switzerland for a lifetime, while 20% expected to stay for a maximum of one year or less. Today, at the time of the survey, the proportion of respondents without a specific expectation in mind has decreased from 53% to 41%, while the proportion of people saying that they want to stay for a lifetime has almost doubled, reaching 42%. The proportion of those expecting to stay for a limited period of up to one year also decreases to 15%. It can therefore be assumed that a substantial proportion of the respondents is rather satisfied with living conditions in Switzerland and thus demonstrate a desire to settle in the country permanently.