A foreigner with a permanent residence permit may regain temporary resident status if they do not meet integration criteria
As noted by the portal Swissinfo.ch, a residence permit of category B, valid for one year, can be extended immediately for two years if the foreigner's integration into Swiss society is found to be successful. However, proof of lack of integration can have serious consequences.
The authorities may grant or extend a residence permit if certain criteria are met. By law, these parameters include: respect for public safety, order and constitutional values; participation in economic activity (i.e., having a job) or pursuing education; knowledge of the language of the region of residence.
Those who show no willingness to integrate will be required to sign an integration agreement, which will specify point by point what society expects from the foreigner. Non-compliance with such an agreement may affect the extension of the residence permit.
For example, a foreigner with a permanent residence permit of category C but not meeting the integration criteria may have their permanent residence permit revoked. In exchange, the person will receive a "Permit B" – a temporary residence permit issued for one year.
Refugees and temporarily admitted foreign nationals receiving social assistance will be required to participate in integration or vocational training programs. If they refuse to do so without a valid reason, social benefits may be reduced.
The authorities may make exceptions only taking into account personal circumstances. However, these exceptions must fall under rules to be determined by the Federal Council after a consultation process. For example, living in poverty or lack of means despite having a job may be an exception, but dependence on social assistance is unlikely to be considered a valid reason for refusing integration measures.
The new rules also facilitate refugees' access to the labor market. A simple notification of the desire to work will replace the authorization procedure that refugees and temporarily admitted persons must follow. A third party authorized by the cantons to find them an internship or workplace will be able to perform this task, which will partially ease the burden on potential employers.