Greetings all,
I'm a Kenyan hotelier with over 10 years international experience looking to move to Zurich this year.
Here's the problem, I don't have a permit or a visa. The reason I wish to move is because the Kenyan Hospitality industry has been hit hard due to the election violence over the past few weeks. Hotels are empty and jobs are non-existent. Hundreds of thousands have been laid off.

My girlfriend is Swiss and can't get a job in Kenya either due to the same problem.

I really don't want to have to get married to live there as that is unnecessary pressure and unfair on the both of us.
Are there any hotels or chains or companies looking to hire qualified professionals and sponsor their work permits/ visas?
I would appreciate any help.
Thanks in advance.

to be blunt, the simplest solution is marriage. It will resolve many of your problems.

You could of course stick to your guns and start asking the big chains in Switzerland if they have a position for you. Being non-EU is the challenge you face.

Thanks Lob ... I appreciate your honesty.
I guess I'm in a tight fix ... Time will tell.

cheers

Ronnie

Well Well ... lots of things have changed in life.
I got married to my Swiss sweetheart. The beach wedding was superb followed by a 3 days of celebrations!

I have applied to be recognized as her husband officially through the Swiss embassy in my country.

I was told that this will enable me to move to Switzerland in approximately 3 months time. What permit will I given for being married to a Swiss citizen? Can I work immediately or are there still more complications for me to face?

I realize there are quite a few threads related to this but find it all quite confusing. Would love some assistance on this.

Thanks !

Hi, you'll get a B permit which allows you to work and live in Switzerland. In 5 years (I think) you can apply for a Swiss passport.

Hey Ebony ... thank you very much for the info.

Am glad I can work without further hindrances. Have struggled my whole life with my passport!

It'd be great to get a Swiss passport in 5 years too ... dual citizenship is the way, as long as my government allows it.

thanks again

On registration in Switzerland you will be granted the B permit . After 3 years it will change to th C permit . In 5 years you will be eligible to apply for the Swiss passport. I believe as a Keynan you are allowed Dual citizenship.. I believe this to be true because some of my Keynan friends have dual citizenship..

Congratulations and good luck in your move.

Hey Coolio, actually Kenyans are not permitted dual citizenship. Many do have it but it is still illegal. Our president and cabinet are however looking at getting this passed through the constitution.

http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/...c/-/index.html

And thank you very much for the information and your well wishes.
Much appreciated.

However, I was told that even on a permit B with which I can work, whatever company hiring me still has to seek special permission to employ me. Can you expand on this? Are companies put off by this or is it a simple procedure?

As far as I know once you are married to a swiss and living in Switzerland it is not a problem . Normally the company that hires you handles all of the paper work. I know many instances of foreigners being married to a swiss and it has never been a problem. Only a formality.. This also applied to myself.

Thanks Coolio !
It all sounds very positive.
Now, here's to finding a great job !