So I just got my contract terminated due to mass layoffs. This is the third time in a row this happens to me. Talk about being at the wrong place at the wrong time.

I'm thinking about my options here. I am 31 and have had EU B permit for 4 years and 9 months (great timing, I know). I have been searching on the web sites of the relevant authorities but can't find much details there.

Would anyone be able to point me in the right direction concerning the questions below?

1. Am I eligible for unemployment benefits even if my B permit expires?

2. Is the maximum period of time for unemployment benefits still 18 months? In some threads on this forums, shorter periods are mentioned.

3. If I get a job opportunity abroad and for some reason the office gets shut down again in 6 months after leaving Switzerland - would I still be eligible for Swiss unemployment benefits? Normally one would not be eligible for unemployment benefits in any new country after 6 months, so I'm afraid leaving may be a bit risky.

Many thanks

If you have worked for 18 months in the last 24 months you will get 400 days max payout. If you have worked 12 months in the last 24 months you will get a may 260 days payout.

You need to open a Rahemnfrist at the RAV, your salary is based on the LAST 12 months pay.

You are in effect working for the RAV, so they will get you a new permit.

3 Months after leaving CH your 'B' permit will expire, however you will get unemployment in the new coutry, they will accept work you did in CH to qualify for 'their' system

That's great, thanks for the response.

What if my B permit expired when I am abroad, after leaving Switzerland, and I decide to come back after being fired after let's say 5 months? Any chance that the RAV would still "employ" me?

So what if I manage to get a C permit, may it also expire some time after I leave Switzerland or is it perpetual?

If your permit expires & you don't renew it it's gone.
You might be able to come back as a job seeker. As far as the RAV are concerned unless you opened your rahemnfrist they will base the payout on the LAST 12 months earnings, if 6 months were zero because you were away then your benefit is half!
If you already opened a rahemnfrist you have any days you have not claimed in the system. However if you leave CH for 3 months you B permit is finished.

To get a C permit you need to be in full time employment when you apply, it will also expire 6 months after you leave. You can apply to be away for upto 4 years.