American woman experiences hostility in Switzerland; nearly 35 percent of Switzerland’s workforce are foreign nationals; and more news in our roundup on Wednesday.
‘What have I done to deserve this?’: American woman says she experiences hostility in Switzerland because she is a foreigner
In a viral TikTok video that has been viewed over 328,000 times, a young woman from the United States, who moved to Switzerland “for a better life,” tearily talks about the “hatred people here have toward immigrants.”
“Switzerland is theoretically a great place,” the woman, who lives in Thurgau, said, adding that she has experienced “a lot of rejection” in her daily life.
“What have I done to deserve this – besides being born in another country?” she asks.
Many of the 15,600-plus commentators sympathise with her predicament, though some suggest that perhaps she is treated this way because she has not tried to integrate.
“Today, many expats come, don’t learn the language, and expect everyone else to adapt.” one person said. “Have you tried to learn the language?”
Nearly 35 percent of Switzerland’s workforce are foreign nationals
By the end of 2025, immigrants made up 34.9 percent of all employees in Switzerland – up from 30.5 percent a decade ago.
This is what emerges from the Swiss Labour Force Survey released by the Federal Statical Office on Tuesday.
Of those, the majority (42.1 percent) have a permanent residence C permit, followed by B or L permit holders (31.4 percent), and cross border commuters (21.6).
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City of Zurich files objection to southern takeoffs at airport
The municipality is objecting to the planned southern takeoffs at the Zurich Airport which, officials argue, would impact the city’s densely populated northern districts.
Nearby municipalities from Aargau and Schaffhausen have filed an objection as well, pointing out that these northern parts of the country would also be burdened with “excessive aircraft noise.”
The new regulations allow planes ito take off to the south, which is supposed to be safer when winds are blowing a certain way.
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Swiss government advises citizens against travel to Cuba
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has tightened its travel advisory on Tuesday, officially advising against tourist travel to the Caribbean island.
Anyone traveling to Cuba “will find themselves in a country struggling with massive infrastructure problems,” according to the FDFA.
For instance, “the energy supply is extremely unstable, with regular power outages lasting several hours or even days now also affecting large hotel complexes. This economy of scarcity also extends to fuel, food, and everyday goods. Even communication is limited, as telephone and internet connections are regularly interrupted, which can make it considerably more difficult to maintain contact with Switzerland.”
Further, “the medical situation is particularly critical. Due to severe shortages of medicines and medical supplies, reliable emergency care cannot currently be guaranteed. The FDFA is therefore very clear in its recommendations: even in the case of minor injuries or illnesses, vacationers are advised to return to Switzerland quickly, as adequate treatment is often not available locally.”
If you have any questions about life in Switzerland, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local, please get in touch with us at news@thelocal.ch
