UK signs Services Mobility Agreement with Switzerland
On Friday the Government announced that the UK signed a Services Mobility Agreement (SMA) with Switzerland. The SMA will allow UK professionals to work in Switzerland for up to 90 days without a work permit as per current rules. Currently, if a UK service provider wants to provide services in Switzerland for 90 days or less, they can use an online notification provider and there is no requirement to get a work permit. This provision will be retained. In return, Swiss professionals will be able to deliver contracts in the UK in skilled sectors through the Tier 5 International Agreement visa. The agreement covers a number of sectors, including tourism and creative industries.
The SMA contains a non-binding provision to encourage UK and Swiss regulatory bodies to develop a comprehensive agreement on the recognition of professional qualifications for service suppliers working in each other’s markets. The agreement sets out a timeframe and programme of work on MRPQ (Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications).
The initial agreement will last for two years to ensure continuity immediately after the transition period. Further information is available on GOV.UK.
Other Government updates
The Visiting the UK after Brexit page has been updated to say that people will not be able to use the List of Travellers scheme to visit the UK from 1 October 2021.