Swiss government faces pressure to cut work permits

(Swissinfo): Pressure is mounting on the Swiss government to revise work permit quotas that triggered an outcry among big businesses in the country like Google. Faced with rising unemployment under the financial crisis the government decided in December to halve the number of annual short-term residence and work permits accorded for non-European Union nationals to 3,500. The permits, typically valid for less than 12 months, are commonly used by international firms bringing in highly skilled staff for special projects.