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- Yesterday, EU and UK negotiators agreed on a Brexit follow-up solution.
- The new free trade agreement regulates the future relationship between the EU and Great Britain.
- How did Switzerland, which is not a member of the EU, prepare for Brexit?
“Watch out for the gap – watch out for the gap.” Anyone who has ever ridden the tube in London knows the warning. At each stop, the voice from the loudspeaker warns of the gap between the train and the platform.
Seven agreements for the post-Brexit era
The Federal Council has described its Brexit strategy as a “Mind-the-Gap” strategy. He wanted to close the loopholes early on, before Britain leaves the EU. Because with Brexit, bilateral agreements with the EU no longer regulate the relationship with Great Britain.
In the last three years, Bern and London have entered into seven agreements to regulate bilateral relations after Brexit, in the areas of trade, traffic and transport, insurance, migration, services and the fight against crime.
In commercial terms, the new agreement builds on previous bilateral agreements. Since the treaties were largely replicated, as it is called in diplomatic parlance. This means that the Swiss economy still has regulated access to the British market, similar to the internal EU market. However, at the same time, additional forms will be needed when trading goods.
It becomes more complicated than before when Swiss companies want to hire a British woman. Since the free movement of people will cease to apply as of January 1, new maximum limits apply to work permits.
New upper limits for work permits
To enable Swiss companies to hire enough British specialists, the Federal Council has created a special contingent: a maximum of 3,500 Britons will be allowed to work in Switzerland next year. Applications must be sent to the cantons. For short stays and business trips, simpler procedures apply.
If, on the other hand, a Swiss wishes to emigrate to Great Britain, he will be assessed using a new point system. Only specialists and well-trained people receive enough points and can receive a work permit. Anyone who already lives and works in Britain can stay. The same applies to the British in Switzerland.
Customs: The Coming Days Will Bring Clarity
However, there are loopholes in the contracts between Bern and London. Because at individual points, London and Brussels first had to come to an agreement, for example on allowances and customs controls. That is what happened now. The next few days will show what the effects will be like in Switzerland.
The Federal Council signaled to London early on that it would like to further develop relations with the UK. Under the title “Mind the Gap Plus”, it points to new agreements in the areas of commerce and financial services.
If you want to go on vacation to Great Britain after the corona pandemic, you have to show a passport at the border from October 1, 2021, an ID is no longer enough. But at least you don’t need a visa to travel by tube to London.
