In greater demand due to the pandemic
People of employable age represent the AWA BS target group – totalling just over 442,000, or 57 per cent of all Swiss Abroad, in 2020. An average of 100 people returning to Switzerland contact AWA BS every year. The office in Basel received a record number of enquiries in 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, with massive job losses and a decline in economic activity around the world suddenly causing many Swiss to return home.
Besides searching for a job, many returnees also applied for financial and material assistance. They received advice and support during this difficult period, thanks to effective cooperation between AWA BS, SECO and the FDFA.
Practical information
AWA BS is no recruitment agency, but it provides practical information about the job market and terms of employment in Switzerland as well as putting Swiss returnees in touch with potential employers and recruitment companies. It also offers tips on preparing job applications (CVs, cover letters).
Last year, AWA BS received 254 enquiries from Swiss Abroad, with 98 people subsequently registering with the office and 156 people obtaining assistance without signing up. Those who sign up can access job vacancies in Switzerland via the online public employment information system job-room.ch.
Enquiries from around the world
AWA BS receives enquiries from all corners of the world. Most of these in 2020 came from Swiss Abroad in Europe (42 per cent) – followed by Latin America (17 per cent), Asia (16 per cent), Africa (12 per cent), North America (10 per cent) and Oceania (3 per cent).
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