Hi there, I am hoping some one can help me please. I recently moved cantons from Basel Stadt and applied for a new work permit. My BS L-permit would have expired in a week, from the date I cancelled it, and before moving to the new canton. I had been in BS since the middle of August 2013.

The new canton have given me another L-permit even though I am on an indefinite contract as they argue that the "clock starts again" from zero, with the move. I had been hoping for a B-permit.

I am pretty frustrated as this doesn't seem consistent with the information on the CH official websites (ie it refers to Switzerland and not cantons). It is also feels pretty iniquitous, as I will be paying for social security and not receiving any benefit - I don't know if this extends to pension benefits as well, I am guessing it does.

I have a couple of questions which I would really appreciate help with:

1. Is the new canton interrupting European law for their own purposes?

2. What can I do about it? Would writing to my Embassy, at any stage, help or would whistling in the wind be more successful?!

Thanks for your help

Rachel

PS I have looked for a previous relevant and similar question, without success.