The Upper house has voted to introduce a new incentive tax on immigration, going further than the Federal Council proposed
The Council of States backed the measure on yesterday as an additional safeguard clause, on top of existing controls.
It would act as a financial disincentive for hiring from abroad.
The left opposed the vote, doubting it will change anything given persistent labour shortages.
The measure now heads to further parliamentary debate
No snow on Matterhorn
The Matterhorn is standing without snow at the end of September, a rare sight that has gone viral on social media
Decline in air quality this year
Nearly half of Europeans, Switzerland included, breathed poor or very poor air over the first eight months of 2026, according to a new Copernicus report
Earthquake insurance remains optional
Parliament has once again turned down a plan to introduce mandatory earthquake insurance for property owners in Switzerland
New migrant health centre announced
The Lausanne-based public health centre Unisanté has been designated a World Health Organization collaborating centre for migrant health
Tough wine sector finds something to celebrate
Vaud winemakers say the 2026 harvest is shaping up to be exceptional, with intense sugar levels producing dense, rich wines
Tuition fees new deal
The Council of States has agreed that European Union students at Switzerland's federal polytechnic schools should pay the same tuition fees as Swiss nationals
