Expatica news

Numerous callers dial Swiss Brexit hotline

People in Switzerland worried about the aftermath of Brexit have been calling on the Swiss authorities for advice.

On Friday – the day Britain announced it was leaving the European Union following a national referendum – about 30 people took advantage of the special helpline set up by Switzerland’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As the FDFA points out on its website: “Current regulations regarding Swiss citizens and companies remain applicable for the time being and nothing will change immediately.” Changes won’t come until there’s a formal withdrawal agreement between Britain and the EU.

Nevertheless, the FDFA has decided to provide a 24-hour hotline to deal with any pressing questions Swiss citizens might have about Brexit’s effect on them. The number is 0 800 24-7-365. As the FDFA told the Swiss News Agency on Saturday, it was expecting fewer calls over the weekend.

For now, Swiss citizens can continue to live and work in Britain under the current bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the EU. Similarly, Swiss companies can still offer their goods and services to Britain, and recruit British employees.

The Swiss cabinet will evaluate the consequences of Brexit and get in touch with the British authorities to discuss the future.


swissinfo.ch and agencies