Quelques considérations sur le problème posé par la présence des étrangers en Suisse et la politique pratiquée à leur égard.

Abstract

Swiss Federal policy with regard to foreigners - who make up approximately 14 % of the total population, the proportion of foreign workers among the active population being even higher at 20 % - is based on two main pillars. It is, on the one hand, a question of achieving an equal balance between the strength of the Swiss population, making allowance for the different interests involved (which include demographic, cultural, human and social aspects, the needs of education, science and research, the economy and the labour market as well as international relations) ; on the other hand it is the government's endeavour to grant the foreigners an improved legal status in order to facilitate, according to the length of their residence, their integration in the Swiss community and to encourage contacts and co-operation between the Swiss and immigrants. More than three quarters of the foreigners residing in Switzerland at the moment and more than half of all the immigrants exercising a remunerative activity in the summer months (maximum stand of employment) are holders of a permanent residence permit, that is to say they are placed on equal footing with the native population with the exception of the right to vote and of military duties. This constitutes favourable conditions for harmonious coexistence of the two population groups. In this respect, particular attention is paid to second-generation immigrants - more than a quarter of a million persons - who must be able to benefit from the same chances of social and professional promotion as their Swiss counterparts.