Less than a third of Ukrainian refugees with status S found a job in Switzerland. Non -recognized diplomas, linguistic barriers and strict requirements slow down their professional integration.
Viviane Vogel / CH Media
We hoped that the arrival of Ukrainian refugees would resolve the lack of qualified personnel in Switzerland. But Swiss politics and public opinion quickly had to abandon this idea. The Confederation recently published disappointing figures for the employment rate of refugees benefiting from the status of protection S. On average, less than a third of them have managed to integrate into the Swiss labor market.
The Ukrainians also testify to their frustration: decades of professional experience and the university degrees obtained in their country are often considered worthless by Swiss employers.
A specialized doctor is currently doing an unpaid internship as a nursing assistant in an establishment for the elderly. Another woman, holder of a master’s degree in public administration and with several decades of experience in political and tourism council, has still not found a job. Why is this professional integration so difficult?
Excessive confidence in the recognition of diplomas
Frédéric Berthoud, from the State Secretariat for Training, Research and Innovation (SEFRI), explains that “too much importance is often given to the recognition of diplomas”. In many cases, Such a process is not even necessary. Only the regulated professions require prior recognition of foreign qualifications. Selon Berthoud, good support is essential.
“Some candidates think they have received a refusal, when they have actually obtained recognition under certain conditions”
Each case is unique, and access to the labor market varies depending on many factors.
“Training is not everything in a job search. Linguistic skills, a good network and good timing count just as much ”
Ukrainian medical diplomas not recognized
Refugees with status S wishing to exercise medicine in Switzerland must comply with strict requirements. As with nationals from third countries, Medical professions – doctors, chiropractors, pharmacists – are rigorously regulated. Switzerland has no agreement with countries outside the EU or AELE concerning mutual recognition of qualifications. Thus, a specialist trained in Ukraine cannot exercise directly in Switzerland.
-However, there are solutions. An unrecognized diploma can allow registration in the register of medical professions. The exercise of the profession then depends on the cantonal regulations. In some cantons, such as Zurich, it is possible to work under supervision, for example as a doctor assistant, provided you are registered and sufficiently control the German.
When a gynecologist cannot be a midwife
Recognition of regulated health professions, such as physiotherapists or podologists, also includes challenges. Marc Bieri, of the Swiss Red Cross International Committee (CRS), explains:
“The more the cultural gap between the country of origin and Switzerland, the more the differences in professional practices are marked”
He also cites the example of retirement homes.
“In Switzerland, care for the elderly is very developed, while in eastern Ukraine, the care is based first on the family”
Ukrainian refugees also had to review their expectations concerning the hierarchy of jobs. Many people imagine, wrongly, that a dentist could exercise as dental hygienist or a gynecologist could become a midwife. However, these professions are autonomous and governed by distinct laws.
Recognition approaches, often long and complex, put the patience of candidates to the test. According to Bieri, they can take a few weeks in the event of complete equivalence, but extend over three years if linguistic or technical skills must be acquired.
Translated and adapted by Noëline Flippe
