A Message from the Organization of Swiss Abroad
Dear Swiss Abroad,
Happy New Year! - I hope this message finds you healthy and safe. The times continue to be challenging although it is nice to start to see the light at the end of the tunnel. If you think there is anything I can be helpful with, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
This is my periodic update from the Organization of the Swiss Abroad (OSA). I have put together a few pieces of news and hope you find them useful. Please, forward this information along to the member of your Swiss organization.
The Organization of Swiss Abroad has a New Website
Our new website is here! We look forward to your visit to http://swisscommunity.org, where you will find even faster information on how to realize your plans for living abroad, on your rights as a Swiss Abroad, or on our various offers. Together even when far away.
It's also a new community platform for all of us. Find other Swiss citizens living abroad, discuss, search events, connect with Swiss clubs, and much more! Register here: https://members.swisscommunity.org
Swissinfo Interview with OSA Director Ariane Rustichelli
Most of us would agree that this next year can only be better than the last one. However, the director of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) says the interests of the “Fifth Switzerland” have been boosted in 2020. Read her interview here: Pandemic year ‘not all bad’ for the Swiss abroad - SWI swissinfo.ch
Covid Vaccination for Swiss Abroad
Under what conditions can Swiss Abroad be vaccinated in Switzerland and what is the vaccination strategy of the Swiss Confederation? Read more here: SwissCommunity : COVID-19 Vaccination
E-Voting Efforts Restarted
The Swiss government has announced plans to relaunch limited trials of electronic voting 18 months after suspending such schemes due to security flaws. Read more: E-voting trials to be resumed in new format - SWI swissinfo.ch
Swiss Abroad feel let down by vote failures Many Swiss people living abroad often cannot cast their vote because they do not get their documents on time or have trouble returning them. Read more on Swissinfo: Swiss abroad feel let down by vote failures - SWI swissinfo.ch
National Councillor Andri Silberschmidt (ZH) haș submitted a postulate addressing concerns regarding delays in the mailings of voting materials. If approved the Federal Council will be instructed to examine and to report whether the mailing of federal election and voting documents to Swiss nationals abroad can be simplified. He would like them to look specifically into the use of the diplomatic courier and extension of the dispatch times. - National Councillor Damien Cottier (NE) showed support for the cause as well and asked if dispatch times could be adjusted. The Federal council took note and said they will deal with the issue of dispatch times in the postulate by Andri Silberschmidt. - Laurent Wehrli (VD), another National Councillor and member of OSA's executive board submitted a related interpellation, here in French: 20.4498 | Droit des Suisses de l'étranger à participer aux votations fédérales | Objet | Le Parlement suisse (parlament.ch)
How to claim my pension (AHV) from Switzerland
My colleague on the Council of Swiss Abroad, Carmen Trochsler from Australia, has some very useful tips for accessing your well-earned Swiss pension (AHV). She was featured in a podcast which you can access here: SBS Language | How to claim my pension from Switzerland
Swiss Review
You may experience delays in receiving the paper version of the Swiss Review. Consider reading the electronic version here: SwissCommunity - Swiss Review
Alles Gueti!
Franco Zimmerli
Member, Council for the Swiss Abroad
Swiss Society Presidents
Our mailing address is:
Member, Council for the Swiss Abroad
4640 Admiralty Way Fl 5
Marina del Rey, CA 90292-6636