The OP came here 15 years ago, before the bilateral agreement, when it was difficult to get a permit whatever your nationality on.

Good to see there is a lively discussion on this topic.

I too face restrictions on employment; there a dozens of jobs in the US I could do; but they wont grant me a permit. Would like to work in Australia too; but they won't grant my a permit.

Somebody has already commented on the fact that Switzerland is a small country and needs to protect itself; something the UK for example has not done, and look at the mess their in.

I dont know what sort of future my kids have in a world controlled by the likes of UBS, HSBC and Citigroup. Treverus you in particular seemed to have very strong views on this; are you seriously suggesting that the previous company I worked could not source anybody locally; they just had to go to Asia for all their resources.... wake up; perhaps it is not economic, perhaps it is simply racism.