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suisseAn economist revives the idea of a tax to be paid to hire an immigrant
Those who recruit collaborators from abroad would have to pay an immigration tax. An idea dating from 2014 that is coming back into fashion.
Hiring a collaborator from abroad could be taxed. (illustrative image)
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The idea of an immigration tax is not new among economists. It had emerged in 2014 during the yes of the sovereign to the initiative on immigration. This text called for the introduction of annual “maximum numbers and quotas” for immigration. At the time of implementation, Avenir Suisse had then launched the idea of an immigration tax.
Today, the “NZZ” echoes the words of Hans-Jörg Bertschi, co-president of the Autonomiesuisse association, which advocates an openness to the world that is efficient and free. This transport entrepreneur notes that, from January to November 2022, net immigration amounted to around 82,000 people according to federal figures (during the whole of 2021, this number was 67,000 people) . And to curb this number, he proposes a special tax that should be paid by those who recruit collaborators abroad.
Advantages and disadvantages
This tax idea has advantages over quotas. The latter pose problems of distribution in this or that branch. The tax would bring money to the state and high skills would be more sought after. But there are also disadvantages. It would not be compatible with the European Union agreement, because it is discriminatory, and therefore not sure that the EU will accept it. In addition, simple jobs would become less attractive because they are too costly in terms of tax.
Economists have another vision of this tax. They see Switzerland as a sort of club with high social and financial capital. As a result, those who want to join must pay a membership fee, mentions the German-speaking daily. But the fact remains that to have an effect, this tax will have to be high and not certain that the industries adhere to it.
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