Basel withdraws residence permits from musicians
According to the Canton of Basel-Stadt, clarifications by the Office of Economy and Labor and discussions with the Federal Office for Migration have shown that previous residence and work permits for musicians can no longer be issued.
In recent years, musicians from third countries have always been granted permits that should not have been issued (see SMZ message). Most had already been informed at the end of 2013 and beginning of 2014, a few only in September 2014. Those affected will be granted transitional periods until at least the end of August 2015, the canton writes further.
According to the canton, discussions with the Federal Office for Migration have revealed that these permits may no longer be issued under any circumstances. The musicians can only continue to live and work in Switzerland if they meet the strict requirements for quota-based short-term or permanent residence permits. According to the assessment of the Office of Economy and Labor and the Federal Office for Migration, this is unlikely to be the case as a rule.
Around 55 musicians are affected by the change in practice. The canton intends to work with the Department of Justice and Security and the Federal Office for Migration to find a humanitarian solution for the 18 or so people who received such permits before January 1, 2011. The aim is to enable them to stay permanently and legally in Switzerland.
The others will only be granted a new work and residence permit for 2015 if they meet the strict requirements for a quota-based short-term or permanent residence permit.
