Switzerland to open its doors to Maltese citizens

Maltese citizens will be able to enjoy rights of freedom of movement to Switzerland, in the same way as they do in the European Union, as a result of an agreement which the EU is about to sign with the Swiss.

Maltese and Cypriots are the only citizens from the new member states to obtain such rights, as citizens from the other eight will have certain restrictions applied to them.

Relations between Switzerland and the European Union are very close, as demonstrated by the large number of agreements in place between them. These cover areas such as the free movement of persons, overland transport, air transport, agriculture and research. However, these agreements will now have to be amended to reflect the accession of 10 new EU members.

Free movement of persons between the EU and Switzerland is subject to certain transitional provisions. Until May 31, 2007, there is a quota of 15,000 permits for EU citizens who would like to obtain a long-term residence permit (valid for one year or more) in Switzerland. There is also a quota of 115,000 residence permits each year for periods between four and 12 months.

This agreement will now be extended to the new member states. The new protocol gives Switzerland the right to maintain quantitative limits for workers and self-employed persons from the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and the Slovak Republic looking for residence of more than one year and residence of periods between four months and one year.

Initially, these quotas will last for three years (until May 31, 2007) but they can be prolonged for an additional two years (until May 31, 2009). In case of "serious disturbances of its labour market or threat thereof" quotas to restrict access can be maintained until April 30, 2011.

In the case of Malta and Cyprus the protocol will not include any restrictions.