The government sets two immigration-related rules; mobile phone use will be banned in Valais schools; and more Swiss news in our Friday roundup.
The Federal Council announced two new immigration-related rules:
One aims to prevent citizens of the EU or EFTA (Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) who work in Switzerland on temporary assignments from applying for residence permits and social benefits.
A survey conducted in cantons revealed that these people, who are generally employed for a period of less than one year, sometimes receive B residence permits instead of short-term L permits.
The Free Movement of Persons Agreement between Bern and Brussels “will therefore have to be revised accordingly to ensure that uniform rules apply in all cantons,” the Federal Council said.
Second measure: Government wants ‘family reunification immigrants’ to register for career counselling
Foreigners who immigrate to Switzerland under the family reunification rules, will be required to register with a with career guidance service, the Federal Council announced in a press release.
The aim of this measure is “to promote the professional integration of this target group and to put their professional potential to better use,” the government said.
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Valais bans smartphone use in public schools
All mobile phones in the canton’s schools will have to be turned off on all premises, including during breaks and at lunchtime.
The reason, according to Christophe Darbellay, the State Councillor in charge of education, is that “more and more children are experiencing learning and reading difficulties. Their ability to concentrate is diminishing.”
“School is an essential living space where it is important to create conditions conducive to learning, concentration, and personal development,” he added.
Darbellay specified that the ban doesn’t extend to all electronics: “there will still be tablets in the classroom. “
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Geneva river off-limits to swimmers
Though the temperature in the city exceeds 30C, its residents are warned by authorities not to bathe in the Rhône.
That’s because an oil slick from a SIG construction site has formed between Evaux and Porteous.
It covers the entire surface of the river at this location, measuring 100 metres long and 70 metres wide.
Cleaning-up operation is underway, but it is not known when the river will be safe for swimmers.
“We are currently studying pumping options, but it’s complicated,” said Nicolas Millot, a spokesperson for the Fire and Rescue Service.
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Ahead this weekend:
As summer school holidays begin in some cantons from tomorrow, and if you plan to drive this weekend, expect major traffic jams on some roads leading to popular destinations.
This article explains where the traffic will be heaviest:
READ ALSO: Where are the roads in Switzerland to avoid this summer?
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