According to the latest news, Switzerland’s voters have supported the idea to restrict immigration into their country. It is also known that Switzerland is not a member of the European Union but a member of EFTA (European Free Trade Association), included in the Schengen area.
The UKIP (UK Independence Party) has expressed anxiety about opposing mass migration from the EU into Switzerland and felt that, like Switzerland, if UK is out of the EU (European Union), then it would set up its own quotas related to immigration.
The European commissioners have warned that it would cost more to meet the challenges posed by such measures. As it is well known by now, Mark Harper, the minister for immigration for UK has submitted his resignation, as he was found guilty of employing a migrant who is illegal. This incident will raise the demand for tougher measures and for implementing more restrictions on migration to UK.
Laszlo Andor, EU commissioner for employment, has said in an interview given to The Guardian (a UK Newspaper) that the approach of the UK government on migration is not acceptable to the rest of Europe. Immigration limits that the UK is planning, it is being suggested, shows a lack of confidence in the efficiency of the previous government measures, laws and regulations.
Viviane Reding, EU justice commissioner, has opined that the ‘Single European Union Market’ depends on the many privileges provided to EU members and one of such privileges is to allow people to move freely. Thus, it is being said, that these privileges including ‘Free Movement’ come in the most natural way and there is nothing to renegotiate about them.
All of this suggests that Switzerland is about to face the challenge to its latest decision. The way this challenge is resolved will suggest how the UK government will deal with the rest of Europe.
