Switzerland

By: Kacie Matthews

Country Overview

Switzerland, along with other Central European countries face problems regarding migrant exploitation, more specifically low pay, poor living conditions, and many recruiters that lure underpaid migrant workers into criminal activity such as selling illegal substances. The Switzerland government has tried to limit the exploitation and protect workers, however, it has been a challenge to track and uncover those who create worker exploitation.

Statistics

• Switzerland 2023 Global Slavery Index (forced labour) had 4,000 confirmed cases of worker exploitation

• Main employment sectors: Construction, Domestic Service, Criminal Activities (Drugs, Begging)

• Gender breakdown: 68.6% of Female migrant worker exploitation rate, and 78% of Male migrant worker exploitation rate 

Top Countries of Origin

1. Italy

2. Germany 

3. Portugal

Remittance Data

• Share of GDP: Around 2%

• Annual Remittance Inflow: CHF 7.4 Billion

Legal Gaps

Migrant workers in Switzerland, along with those in other countries, face many problems with legal status- as migrant workers don’t have any secure documents and are at risk of deportation, they resort to taking jobs from different industries which provides them at a disadvantage of lower pay, longer working days, and aren’t protected by the government. Along with this, the government has not set any penalties or laws against labour exploitation, and taking advantage of migrant workers. None of those found of inputting exploitation have received any jail time or penalties which has created NGOs to take a stand against this. Many workers who arrived in Switzerland asked for higher pay, and in some cases; days to take breaks, and vacation times, however, under the insurance migrant workers have, they aren’t subjected to taking breaks, but rather working more time for a lesser wage than before. Although this is illegal, on the part of these companies and industries taking advantage of workers, there are no consequences, and the only ones who are being degraded are the migrant workers.

NGO & Support Groups

• Caritas Switzerland

• Solinetz Zürich

• Freiplatzaktion Zürich 

“Migrant workers in low-wage jobs were more likely to experience exploitative labor practices, although the criminal code forbade labor exploitation" (U.S Department of State, 2024).

Sources

“International Migration Outlook 2024: Switzerland.” OECD, 2024, www.oecd.org/en/publications/international-migration-outlook-2024_50b0353e-en/full-report/switzerland_533854cb.html.

“Migrant Workers | Ethical Trading Initiative.” Www.ethicaltrade.org, www.ethicaltrade.org/insights/issues/migrant-workers.

Zürich. Subject: Call for Input Trafficking in Persons and Domestic Work Migrant Domestic Workers and Trafficking in Persons: Prevention, Rights Protection and Access to Justice to the Attention Of: Ms. Siobhán Mullally, the UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children in Regards to Her Call for Input on Migrant Domestic Workers and Trafficking in Persons.

“Switzerland - United States Department of State.” United States Department of State, 12 Aug. 2025, www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/switzerland. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.