The UK and Switzerland have signed an agreement committing to continue to work together to boost collaboration on security and migration after Brexit.
The UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with his Swiss counterpart, Karin Keller-Sutter, which will continue their work in tackling cross-border crime and terrorism after Brexit.
The agreement sets out the two countries’ commitment to continue to work closely on areas such as counter-terrorism and financial crime, while also looking to increase information sharing and closer working between police forces.
Meanwhile, Keller-Sutter also signed a traditional migration agreement with Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay. The transitional migration agreement, which would apply in the result of the UK leaving the EU with a no-deal, would allow people from the UK and Switzerland to continue to apply for jobs and work in each other’s countries until December 2020.
“While our priority remains leaving the EU with a deal, we have always been clear that we will do all we can to guarantee the rights of citizens in any scenario,” said Barclay. “This agreement allowing British and Swiss expats to work in each other’s countries until the end of 2020 is the latest practical example of us making sure that happens.”
In February 2019, both countries also signed an agreement aimed at safeguarding the existing rights of UK nationals living in Switzerland and Swiss nationals living in the UK at the time of Britain’s exit from the EU.
The February agreement also regulates social security claims and the recognition of professional qualifications and these rights are valid for life.
Article published 11th July 2019