Bern, Switzerland. |Photo:Reaast

Citizens of Bulgaria and Romania will enjoy the same working rights in Switzerland as other citizens of the European Union from June 1.

The Swiss government is lifting its restrictions on workers of the two Balkan countries, as the seven-year-transition period, set from 2009, on the free movement of persons agreement between the EU and Switzerland, expired on May 31.

The working ban will remain on nationals of the youngest EU member state Croatia, however.

The transitional restrictions which remained in force until Tuesday allowed Bulgarian and Romanian jobseekers to receive work permits only under certain conditions.

Priority for vacant jobs was given to citizens of Switzerland and of all other EU countries, apart of Croatia, and of countries from the European Free Trade Association, EFTA.

In addition, Bulgarians and Romanians had to be hired under a quota system and with controls on their salaries and working conditions.

As of Wednesday, workers from the two countries will receive work permits once they have obtained a local employment contract and registered with their commune of residence in Switzerland.

Workers on short term employment contracts, under three months, do not need a residence permit. They must only register online at least eight days before starting their temporary jobs.

On May 1, 2014 Switzerland cancelled the working limits on nationals of 25 EU member state countries imposed earlier in 2012 and 2013.

It decided, however, to keep the barriers in place on Bulgarians and Romanians until May 31, 2016.

On March 11, Switzerland granted Croatians free travel rights, meaning they can enter the country only with their ID cards.

But still is has not decided to cancel the work restrictions which Croatians face when trying to apply for jobs on the Swiss labour market.

Switzerland’s tougher line on Croatia followed a referendum on February 9, 2014, when citizens voted to reintroduce immigration quotas for the European Union.

In response, the EU backed its newest member, blocking negotiations with Switzerland on its participation in Europe’s multibillion research and educational programs.

Switzerland is not a part of the EU, but as a member of EFTA it is obliged to allow free movement of people, goods and capital, which is one of the main pillars of the European integration.