Message from the BRA Chairwoman
Our AGM went off well with no hitches and it was lovely to be “live” again and to welcome so many of our Members to the Casino in Bern. The Platinum Jubilee Celebrations for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II were all a great success and very well attended. The Embassy sent a representative to each Celebration. Thanks to the interest shown by advertising we have acquired quite a few new Members. A lot of people will be away over the summer months and of course the weather will probably get hotter, but all the Regions have managed to organise events for you all to participate in. On the 15 October we are holding our National Luncheon in the Central Region. We will be in the beautiful Palais DuPeyrou in Neuchâtel. Last year the National Lunch was held in Lugano, under the Ticino & Grisons Region and next year we will be in a different Region again. The moving around of the Autumn Lunch in different BRA regions is proving to be very popular with BRA Members and gives them the chance to visit a different part of Switzerland. Hopefully as many of you as possible will join us. In the […]
UK PASSPORTS
Passports If you are wishing to renew your passport you must contact Her Majesty’s Passport Office directly. The British Embassy is not involved in the passport application process. All applications must be completed either online or via downloading a form and sending it back to the UK. Renewing your Passport: To renew your passport online please see here and follow the steps provided: gov.uk/renew-adult-passport To renew your passport using a paper application form you can: Go to a Post Office that has a Check and Send service (when in the UK) or call the Passport Advice line: +44 (0)300 222 0000 It costs £85. You can pay by either: debit or credit card – fill in the form in the application pack – or cheque made payable to ‘Her Majesty’s Passport Office’. You’ll need 2 new and identical printed photos of yourself. To contact HMPO please see here: gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-passport-office or call via +44 (0)300 222 0000
COVID-19
Around Europe, all countries have been implementing measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 infection. Please click on the blue link below to find the latest restrictions introduced by the Swiss Federal authorities. New coronavirus Remember: Your local canton or commune might introduce further measures which affect you. Please check with your local authorities what is the up to date information in your region.
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE FROM UK EMBASSY, BERNE
Dear Friends and Colleagues, I hope this message finds you well despite the challenging circumstances we are living through. I should like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued commitment, resilience and the hard work for the British Residents’ Association, an organisation which plays an important role in bringing together some of the over 40,000 Brits living in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. We are grateful for your engagement, especially in times like these. You may be interested in some background on what the UK is doing in response to current pandemic. We are leading the way in tackling the spread of the virus as one of the biggest donors to the international response. We have already pledged £744 million of UK aid to help end this pandemic as quickly as possible. That includes £250 million towards the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations to rapidly develop a coronavirus vaccine. At home in the UK, it has been especially rewarding to see the overwhelming support for our NHS and other essential workers. Over 750,000 volunteers have registered to support the NHS in one of the biggest challenges it has ever faced, and every Thursday our country shows its appreciation by […]
Living in Switzerland – GOV.UK update
Living in Switzerland. UK Govt Update 18 Jan 2019 Attached is the latest update to the UK Embassy’s notice about Living in Switzerland. This bears reading because it has important (good) news about citizens’ rights for UK citizens living in Switzerland. There will be no change to the rights and status of UK nationals living in Switzerland while the UK remains in the EU. The UK has reached an agreement with Switzerland which protects the rights of UK and Swiss nationals who have chosen to call each otherʼs countries home. This agreement also applies in a ‘no dealʼ scenario.The Ambassador told us on Wednesday that the Embassy is working with the Swiss Government to ensure that the details of the agreement are known at canton and local level throughout Switzerland. However, in its notice, the Embassy advises actions which you can take to save yourself administrative difficulties. If you do experience local difficulty, please let myself or the Secretary know so that we can pass the message on. Graham Robertson National Chairman 18 January 2019 Living in Switzerland – GOV.UK update
Automatic Exchange of and the Swiss Voluntary Tax Programme
Swiss Taxpayers And The Automatic Exchange Of Information (AEI): The Swiss Voluntary Disclosure Programme (VD) And The Simplifed Procedure Of Tax Recovery Available To Heirs The following important information has been provided by BRA member, Peter Steimle, whose company, Steimle & Partners Consulting Sagl, is based in Lugano. Should further information be required, his office maybe contacted by e-mail at info@steimle-consulting.ch or telephone: 091 9139900. The VD procedure applies to undeclared assets and income wherever located and exempts individuals and companies from fines and criminal prosecution. The disclosure programme is also available to heirs, with the simplified procedure for the recovery of taxes on undeclared assets and income of the testator. Both VD programs represent the only concrete opportunity for Swiss taxpayers to regularize their tax situation without incurring administrative and criminal sanctions. The many political attempts to introduce a general Swiss tax amnesty have not been successful up to now. The new global standard for the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEI), relevant for tax purposes The aim of the AEI standard is to effectively combat cross-border tax evasion. At the moment more than 100 countries, including Switzerland, have in principle adhered to the introduction of this new global standard. In accordance with the Multilateral […]
OLDER NEWS
Message from the BRA Chairwoman
By now you will all have received your invitation and the relevant papers, either by email or post, to the 75th Annual General Meeting. To see the invitation to the meeting and luncheon is on the BRA Website please click on the link below. QR-Bill BRA AGM 2022 You will also find a link for the QBP’s for Romandie-West and the North-East, on the individual event page, the link will open a PDF with the correct event QR-code for prepayment. In December 2021 we sent out an official letter asking you to pay your yearly subscription for 2022. The result was astounding and by February most of you had paid in. As this proved to be such an effective means we will be repeating it in once again this December. For those members not yet paid up for 2022 you will be receiving a ¨personal¨ reminder in the next few weeks. What a wonderful year this will be for the Queen to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee. In the month of June your local Regions have organised for you the QBP – Platinum Jubilee Celebrations. On behalf of the British Residents’ Association a letter of congratulations has been sent to the […]
EMBASSY NEWS
Dear Members of the British Residents Association, Spring is in the air and therefore I take this opportunity to take a look back to the past months which have had an impact on our day to day lives. We have lived through several lockdowns due to Covid, which has included periods where it was difficult for our loved ones to visit or for us to travel to the UK. Covid has not gone and will be with us for some time to come but thankfully travel restrictions have been greatly relaxed and with normal precautions, we can travel back and forth to the UK normally again. If you have friends or family visiting you in Switzerland they can always find the latest entry regulations for Switzerland in our travel advice:https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/switzerland/entry-requirements. If you are travelling to the UK, you can find the latest Covid related information here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-england-from-another-country-during-coronavirus-covid-19. More recent events have pushed our memories of the Coronavirus to the background. Regretfully we are now confronted with a large movement of refugees coming from the war stricken nation of Ukraine into the safe countries in Europe. I know many of you have sought to help. The UK has also opened its […]
Message from the BRA Chairwoman
February brings the rain, thaws the frozen lake again. March brings breezes loud and shrill, stirs the dancing daffodil. April brings the primrose sweet, scatters daisies at our feet. Writing that makes me look forward very much to April with the promise of warmer weather! This year Easter Sunday will be on the17th April. I hope by then many of you will be able to book holidays to either visit family or just for enjoyment. Happy Easter to you one and all. I am delighted to announce that Peritus Investment Consultancy AG have become our Lead Sponsor. Many thanks to their founder and Managing Director, James Day, who is not only a member of the BRA, but also approached us last year with the idea to take on the role of Lead Sponsor. We are looking forward to this new partnership and to welcoming James and his colleagues to our events in the year ahead. As you all know, the Platinum Jubilee of HRH Queen Elizabeth II, will be marked this year in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, in recognition of the 70th anniversary of the accession to the throne of Queen Elizabeth II on the 6th February 1952. 70 […]
Message from the BRA Chairwoman
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR GREETINGS The Council of the British Residents’ Association of Switzerland hope that you all have a safe and relaxing holiday season. We have had more than our share of challenges this year, so are wishing you peace and hope at Christmas and a New Year full of better days. Thank you all for supporting us and remaining such true and loyal Members. Angela S. Meier-Jones Hon. Chairwoman British Residents’ Association of Switzerland
Message from the BRA Chairwoman
Our winter Bulletin now covers November, December and January. This is much easier for the Editors as they are able to get the Bulletin out in November rather than during the busy Christmas period. It also helps the regional Councillors plan their Christmas luncheons nearer to the date instead of in the middle of summer! It has been most rewarding to see that all of our events have been taking place. People are being very sensible about presenting vaccination certificates to get into restaurants and museums etc. This ruling about certificates will be for all our indoor events especially during the winter months. On Thursday the 11 November the BRA, on behalf of all its members, will be laying a wreath of poppies in the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, located at St. Martin’s Church in Vevey for Remembrance Day. Such a special occasion. I hope that as many of you as possible can buy a poppy and wear it with pride. They shall not grow old, As we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, Nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, And in the morning, We will remember them (Laurence Binyon, “Ode […]
EMBASSY NEWS
Dear All, With COVID-19 still affecting and dominating our daily lives, and vaccination certificates now being compulsory for most indoor events in Switzerland, we would like to provide some clarification on the use and exchange of COVID-certificates, including such ones that have been issued outside of Switzerland. Additionally, we have some good news to share on a new social security agreement between the UK and Switzerland. COVID certificates If you have been vaccinated abroad, e.g. in the UK and are in possession of a NHS vaccination certificate, you can apply for a Swiss COVID certificate if you were vaccinated with a vaccine that is approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). This concerns the following vaccines: Pfizer/BioNtech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca. You must be resident in Switzerland, staying in Switzerland, or intend to enter Switzerland (i.e. tourism) in order to exchange your foreign certificate for a Swiss one. You must also be able to provide sufficient evidence of the vaccination performed abroad and your stay in Switzerland, and be able to prove your identity. The cantonal health authorities are responsible for exchanging and issuing Swiss COVID certificates. To be issued with a COVID certificate, you should contact the […]
Message from the BRA Chairwoman
This is the first time, since last year, that I have the feeling we are regaining a bit more freedom. The numbers of corona cases seem to be declining, it is obviously too early to throw caution to the wind and of course we still have to adhere to all the Government rules and regulations. I presume that most of us have had our vaccinations by now. I know that the United Kingdom has been struggling with the new Delta strain of the virus, thus making it quite difficult to get to the UK and back again with all the quarantining and tests involved. Here again we have to listen to the different countries and what their rules and regulations are. Thank you to those of you who returned their voting slips for the postal AGM, the Minutes of the postal AGM will be sent out to you all separately by email or normal post. Hopefully next year we will be holding our AGM and Luncheon together as a National Event. Our National Summer Luncheon for this year will held on the 24 July and will be reported and pictures shown in the next Bulletin and on the BRA Website. […]
EMBASSY NEWS
Dear All, In our last contribution to the BRA bulletin the British Embassy Berne informed you about the UK’s and Switzerland’s Covid-related travel restrictions. Despite Switzerland’s falling infection numbers and accelerating vaccination campaign, travel between the two countries remains restricted. Please refer to the links in our previous message to stay up to date on travel warnings and entry requirements. For this edition, we would like to shift our focus to two different topics, namely pension and passports. In recent months, we have received numerous written enquiries concerning pension and passport matters from British nationals in Switzerland, which is why we would like to use this opportunity to offer some guidance on these subjects. UK State Pension You can carry on receiving your UK State Pension if you move to live in the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you can still claim your UK State Pension from these countries. Your UK State Pension will be increased each year in the EU in line with the rate paid in the UK. You can also count relevant social security contributions made in EU countries to meet the qualifying conditions for a UK State Pension. This guidance is for UK nationals, however these […]
Message from the BRA Chairwoman
On the 9 April HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, sadly passed away. What a remarkable man he was. In November 1997 at a lunch at Banqueting House in London the Queen said in her speech honouring her husband “He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim, or we shall ever know”. On behalf of the Members of the British Residents’ Association a message has been sent to the Online Book of Condolence set up by the Royal Family for people to pay their tributes. The corona vaccination programme is well underway. Have we learnt a lot from this past year? I have learnt, amongst other things, patience and slowing down to adjust to the lifestyle we had to adopt. It has saddened us to hear of local businesses which did not survive the past year, not forgetting for one moment all the deaths of loved ones from the corona virus. One could only watch what has been happening and help out where ever possible and hope that we can slowly get back […]
ANZAC DAY
“In grateful remembrance of those who gave their lives and suffered for our freedom” In commemoration of ANZAC Day, The British Residents’ Association have sent a wreath, with the above message, to the Australian and New Zealand Consulates-General to be laid at the Commonwealth Grave plot at the St. Martin’s Cemetery in Vevey on the 25 April. Owing to the health risks posed by the Covid-19 pandemic the Australian and New Zealand Consulates-General have written to inform us that they are once again not able to host a public Anzac Day Service. Angela Meier-Jones BRA Chairwoman
IN MEMORIAM
HRH Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh 1921 – 2021 The British Residents’ Association of Switzerland would like to convey their deepest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and her family, on the death of HRH Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this very sad time.
EMBASSY NEWS
Dear All, The Consular Section has been answering many of your questions since the end of the Transition Period and throughout the current Corona pandemic. We would like to summarise the most common enquiries relating to both the UK and Switzerland’s current travel restrictions, Covid-19 measures, entry requirements and quarantine rules as we go into spring and hopefully be able to go out more. Entering the UK: If you are planning to travel to the UK, you should check the current regulations regarding entry, quarantine and other measures that might be in place. Please be aware that these rules can change quickly in the current situation. For further Information please check: gov.uk/uk-border-control Leaving the UK/ Entering Switzerland: The UK has taken a number of measures to combat the pandemic. While the “Stay in the UK” restrictions are in place, you are only allowed to leave the UK if you have a reasonable excuse. Check if this applies to you here: gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-declaration-form-for-international-travel. If you are travelling to Switzerland, you should check our travel advice for the latest guidance: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/switzerland. For all UK nationals visiting Switzerland, visiting family members or new residents, the entry requirements have changed as well since 1 January 2021. You can […]
EASTER GREETINGS
Dear BRA Members, Easter Day is a Christian festival which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The holiday falls on 4 April this year and is celebrated across the globe. According to the New Testament, Easter occurs three days after the crucifixion of Jesus by the Romans at Calvary 30 AD. Whatever your religion or beliefs, I, together with the Council, wish you all a very happy, peaceful, enjoyable Easter time. Sadly, once again, social distancing and the dread of a third wave of corona are still keeping us apart and making family or friendly get togethers difficult. Our zoom apéros and book clubs are still in place for April but let’s hope that when the restaurants open again, we can actually meet up. I do know that for May, June and July all the regions have organised events. So, fingers crossed we can get the vaccination programme in full swing and that the numbers of those catching corona decline. Despite the threat of rain at the end of next week the temperature seems to be rising and it really looks as if spring is finally arriving. Some old fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard […]
Message from the BRA Chairwoman
Time to update the letter on the Website. With such lovely weather today it didn’t take me long to find the appropriate picture depicting the present situation of snow in the mountains and flowers in the valleys. Probably a bit early to get the deckchairs out but it certainly cheers one up after the long winter in lockdown. Perhaps we will have a few cold spells but I do think we are slowly on our way to spring, better weather and happier more positive times. This quote from Charles Dickens sums up March weather very well. It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold, when it is summer in the light and winter in the shade. Charles Dickens Great Expectations You will all have been receiving our monthly events calendar. Once again, I regret to say; most events having to be cancelled. Luckily our zoom meetings, in all the regions, have been a success, bringing people together and those taking part having lively discussions. Despite the success of these meetings it will be really lovely to get back to our events and one of the things we have been missing most […]
Happy New Year! and Information for UK nationals
Her Majesty’s Ambassador, Jane Owen, and everyone at the Embassy wishes you and your loved ones all the best for the New Year! As the Brexit Transition Period comes to an end on the 31st of December, we will continue to work hard to ensure that you have the information you need about living in Switzerland. We have summarised the most recent information and important links below. As you will be aware, the UK and Switzerland have agreed on the UK-Swiss Citizen’s Rights Agreement, as well as a number of continuity agreements in other areas (which include trade, air services, road transport, insurance and services mobility), which are ready to come into force at the end of the transition period. These agreements provide a high degree of continuity for individuals and businesses in both Switzerland and the UK. For further information see: gov.uk/government/collections/eu-exit-transition-switzerland. What to know about the Citizen’s Rights Agreement? The UK-Swiss Citizens’ Rights Agreement protects the rights of UK nationals living in Switzerland, those who frontier work into Switzerland, as well as Swiss nationals living in the UK. It means that if you are a legal resident in Switzerland before the 1st of January 2021, you will be able to continue living your […]
December Message from the Chairwoman
Dear Members, Sadly, we are not much further with the Corona situation since the last time I wrote to you with the BRA news. We have to inform you that our Secretary, Heidi Bigmore has resigned, it has not been an easy time for any of us. We would like to thank Heidi for her contribution, albeit short. This year’s resignations have in a way helped us in forging a new way forward, all the Council are behind the concept that we will now do job sharing. In this day and age, it is a danger when just one person is responsible for such a large part of a job. With this new concept we will be sure that if somebody resigns or drops out a replacement is already in place. Behind the scenes with Peter Payne and Deborah Gorsatt, who have really gone the extra mile organising we have been working to get all the jobs sorted out. The Council, as have some of the regions have stayed in touch by means of taking part in zoom meetings. Watch the website for more information in your region next year with this new form of contact and how you can […]
Message from Ambassador Jane Owen
Dear friends, As we all turn our eyes to the festive season, I wanted to wish all members of the British Residents’ Association a very happy and safe Christmas and New Year. I hope you have the chance to enjoy some time – either in person or virtually – with your families and friends, and continue to keep the bonds between Switzerland and the United Kingdom strong. I know that many of you will also be thinking about the end of the year, which also marks the end of the UK’s Transition Period with the EU on 31 December. The UK-Swiss Citizens’ Rights Agreement comes into force on 1 January 2021, and protects the rights of all UK nationals resident in Switzerland by the end of this year. This means that you will be able to continue to live and work in Switzerland broadly as you do now. I would urge you to check our “Living in Switzerland” guide on gov.uk/livinginswitzerland, to make sure you have all the information you need. Several other bilateral agreements will also enter into force on 1 January, including our Trade Continuity Agreement – you can find more detail on this, and on how to prepare […]
UK State Pension and Benefits post Brexit.
The BRA Council thought it would be useful to publish the following extracts from the UK government’s website gov.uk. They concern the UK State Pension and Benefits payable to UK expats living in Switzerland. ““Living in the EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020 If you are a UK national living in an EEA state or Switzerland by 31 December 2020 you are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement. You will get your UK State Pension uprated every year for as long as you continue to live there. This will happen even if you start claiming your pension on or after 1 January 2021, as long as you meet the qualifying conditions. If you are working in the EEA or Switzerland, you will be able to count future social security contributions towards meeting the qualifying conditions for your UK State Pension. You will continue to receive any UK benefits you already receive in the EEA or Switzerland for as long as you continue to live there, and continue to meet all other eligibility requirements.”” The full text can be found by googling “Benefits and pensions for UK nationals in the EEA or Switzerland”. Pension boost protected by new bill The Government has moved to avoid a State Pension freeze. (Press release […]
Remembrance Day Service in Vevey
The BRA has received a letter from HM Ambassador Jane Owen concerning the Remembrance Day Service in Vevey. See below. I know that each and everyone of us will take time out to remember those who fought in the past wars and those left behind on the home front to carry on during those hard years, and of course not to forget those still in action. The corona virus is now our own personal battle but now is the time to come together and remember those who suffered such hardships and losses over the years and hope that we can draw from their perseverance, strength and experiences. I hope you all manage to get a poppy, if you do wear it with pride and on the 11th November at 11 o‘clock will hold the 2 minutes silence to ˋRemember´ with the rest of the world. In the meantime stay healthy and keep safe Angela Meier-Jones BRA Chairwoman
MESSAGE FROM YOUR CHAIRWOMAN
Dear Members, By now you will all have read that Graham Robertson has stepped down as Chairman and as Vice Chairperson I have stepped up and taken over as Acting Chairwoman until the next AGM. Our thanks go to Graham for all he has done for the BRA since he became Chairman 4 years ago especially his hard work in taking us forward and keeping the BRA afloat through the difficult times. He has always kept you the Members up to date with his interesting and informative mails which I know have been very much appreciated. We look forward to seeing Graham and his wife Di at future events. Taking on a new post is a bit like being in a relay race you take over the baton, run on and hope you are as good as all the previous runners, of course each one us of will run in our own way, but the end result is the same, to succeed. I would like to thank you all for your messages of support and goodwill. I am extremely lucky to have the support of the Council and hopefully be holding our next Council meeting on the 29 October, this […]
Personal Message from Graham Robertson
Dear BRA Members, I regret that personal circumstances have led me to resign from the BRA Council and as your Chairman. Although I was working towards retiring some time next year, I have had to bring my plans forward. Let me assure you that this in no way results from any reduction in my continuing regard for the BRA or by ill health. Simply stated, over the last few years I have pushed back non-BRA matters which now require my time to implement them without further delay. In leaving the Council, I would like to put on record that I have felt honoured and pleased that you allowed me to be your Chairman for so many years. I am grateful for the kindness, guidance and support afforded me by the BRA membership and by your hard-working Councillors. I must pay especial tribute to the honorary officers and the editors of the BRA who have done so much over the recent difficult period to keep the BRA alive. Although disappointed at leaving prematurely, I go remembering the old dictum that we are each just like a hand in a bucket of water: When the hand is removed the water finds its […]
HEIDI MICHELLE BIGMORE. NEW BRA SECRETARY.
Heidi Bigmore, our new BRA Secretary, has UK and Swiss nationality, was born in England, educated in Scotland and lives with her family near to Schaffhausen. When younger, she lived in a number of European countries and she moved to Switzerland to work in 1994. Heidi is fluent in spoken and written German, has a good working knowledge of French and speaks basic conversational Italian, Spanish and Portuguese. With qualifications and wide experience in the tourism, hotel and catering industry, she more recently branched out to teaching English to adults and now runs her own British Shop and German-English language centre in Schaffhausen. Heidi is a committee member of the English Speaking Club of Schaffhausen and works to promote British culture and language locally. She came through as the preferred candidate in a selection process which included a large number of high-quality applicants. Once we have the opportunity again to arrange BRA National Events, you will have the chance to meet Heidi in person. Until then, she will be your new contact for emails, letters and telephone calls to the Secretary — but please give her a chance to adapt to our way of doing things. For my part, I […]
UK Embassy Q & A Session
The UK Embassy will hold another Facebook Q&A. To afford BRA members the opportunity to ask any questions they may have regarding living in Switzerland after the transition period, the Embassy will accept questions by email to larissa.saxer@fcdo.gov.uk if submitted before 6 October.
CANCELLED – 2020 AGM
Regrettably, the continuing COVID-19 saga has forced us to cancel the BRA AGM and Lunch due to be held in the Kreuz Hotel, Bern on 23 May 2020. It is unlikely that we will be able to come together for an AGM within the next few months. Various options are being considered to provide BRA members with the information required to ensure that the management of their association meets their needs. Our proposal will be made known once the details are finalised. Until then, stay safe! Graham Robertson, BRA Chairman. 15 April 2020
BRA POLICY ON COVID-19 VIRUS
BRA is monitoring the propagation of Covid-19 in our area and taking seriously the effect that it could have on our members and BRA activities. Based on Swiss government advice, there are currently no plans to postpone or cancel any upcoming BRA events but we need to keep the situation under review in case that advice should change. Although the Federal Government has published its restrictions on gatherings, each Canton, Commune or Municipality has the authority to decide more stringent regulations of its own. Both the Canton of Bern and the City of Coire (Chur) have done so and others are likely to follow. Therefore, it is important that BRA Regional Chairmen remain aware of regulations in their area and comply with any restrictions imposed when planning, organising or cancelling events. In line with WHO advice, all should accept that some attendees may be reluctant to greet by shaking hands or with gestures involving physical contact. Members are advised to monitor the BRA diary on the website in case the authorities advise that an event must be cancelled. Any member who decides that it would not be sensible for them to attend an event is requested to inform the organiser in sufficient time to […]
The British Embassy Berne wishes you a happy New Year!
Her Majesty’s Ambassador, Jane Owen, and everyone at the Embassy wishes you and your loved ones all the best for the New Year! As the UK leaves the EU, we will continue to work hard to ensure that you have the information you need about living in Switzerland after Brexit. We have summarised the most recent information and important links below. As you will be aware, a Brexit deal has been agreed in principle with the EU. Both the UK and the EU now need to approve and sign the withdrawal agreement. The intention on both sides is for this to be completed before 31 January 2020. Negotiations will then start on a new relationship between the UK and EU. There will be a transition period while this takes place. This is scheduled to last until 31 December 2020. During this period the UK will continue to follow EU law. There will be no change to the current arrangements that apply between the UK and Switzerland, and nothing will change for you in how you live your life. The UK and Switzerland have concluded seven continuity agreements, which are ready to come into force at the end of the transition period. […]
Noreen Marie Lucas
Noreen Marie Lucas 2nd May 1973 — 21st November 2019 (Noreen’s family asked me to prepare some words to say at her funeral on 27th November. Although I did not speak, here is what I would have said on your behalf.) I first met Noreen when she was manning the Welcome Desk at the 2012 Jubilee Concert in Geneva. I have a picture of a swarming, seething throng of people wanting tickets. Alone behind the desk was this calm, competent and utterly charming Irish woman, doling out their tickets with a smile and a joke, whipping them all into line, and making them happy. I was not a member of the BRA then and had only intermittent contact with Noreen for some years after. When I joined the Council, I discovered just how powerful Noreen was in running the association. She was recruited as the BRA Secretary by Joanna Koch in 2002. In Joanna’s words ”Noreen modernised the administration, worked hard on the finances, improved the Bulletin, brought in new members, and so on. Her presence and dedication with the BRA have been wonderful.” Presence and Dedication; Those 2 words sum up what Noreen’s gave to the BRA. Technically she […]
Upcoming roadshows by UK Embassy, Bern.
The UK Embassy in Bern is running another series of roadshows around Switzerland and Liechtenstein during October 2019. City Date Registration Link Facebook Live Q&A 24 September 2019, 6:00 – 7:00pm (CEST) Join here Berne 1 October 2019, 6:00 – 8:00pm (CEST) Sign up here Geneva 3 October 2019, 6:00 – 8:00pm (CEST) Sign up here Basel 14 October 2019, 6:00 – 8:00pm (CET) Sign up here Zurich 17 October 2019, 6:00 – 8:00pm (CEST) Sign up here Facebook Live Q&A 22 October 2019, 12:30 -1:30pm (CEST) Join here Bellinzona 23 October 2019, 6:00 – 8:00pm (CEST) Sign up here Luzern 24 October 2019, 6:00 – 8:00pm (CEST) Sign up here Vaduz 28 October 2019, 6:00 – 8:00pm (CEST) Sign up here These Q&A events will inform you about: how Brexit will affect your citizen’s rights as a UK national living in Switzerland and Liechtenstein? what steps should you take before Brexit? how you can stay informed about the latest developments? Registration for your preferred event is through the link above. Note that the actual venue will be emailed by Eventbrite shortly before the event to those registered. If you have any questions, please contact the Embassy at info.berne@fco.gov.uk, not the BRA. https://www.gov.uk/tgovernment/news/british-embassy-roadshows-in-switzerland
Update from GOV.UK – Information for UK Nationals in Switzerland and Liechtenstein
The British Embassy in Bern will be holding another outreach event across Switzerland and Liechtenstein to up date UK nationals on Brexit and answer any questions you may have. Join in the Facebook Live Q&A on the link below. Date: 13th August 2019 Time: 18h00 – 19h00 (CET) Click here to join
Message from Ambassador Jane Owen
Dear friends, Following the decision by the European Council to extend the date the UK will leave the EU to 31 October 2019, I wanted to write to you to provide some further information on your citizens’ rights here in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The UK and Switzerland are closely connected, with around 40,000 UK nationals living in Switzerland and 2,600 British frontier workers. The movement of people and business is also significant, with 150 flights between our countries every day enabling this. We appreciate that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect the lives of UK nationals resident in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, or those planning to move here after free movement ceases to apply, but I would like to reassure you that your rights as residents in Switzerland and Liechtenstein are protected in any Brexit scenario. For now, nothing changes. The UK will remain a member of the EU until 31 October, unless the Withdrawal Agreement is passed by Parliament before then, in which case we will leave on the first day of the calendar month following that decision. We retain all of our rights and obligations as an EU member state during this time. The Prime Minister is […]
UK/Switzerland treaty on Citizens’ Rights signed 25 February 2019
On 25 February 2019, an agreement on “citizens’ rights” was signed by the governments of the United Kingdom and Switzerland. This agreement maintains continuity of rights and benefits for UK expatriates living in Switzerland whether or not there is a deal between UK and the EU. The Swiss Government is working to ensure that the details of the agreement are known at canton and local level throughout Switzerland. If you do experience local difficulty and cannot contact the Embassy, please let myself or the Secretary know so that we can pass the message on. Details of the agreement can be found at Swiss citizens’ rights agreement and Swiss Explainer. You are advised to keep up to date by monitoring the Embassy Living in Switzerland guide Graham Robertson Chairman, BRA
Message from the British Ambassador to UK nationals in Switzerland and Liechtenstein
Dear Members, If you are looking for something to read, can I suggest the message from the Ambassador in Berne? Click on the link below to open the document. All members will be pleased to see the good news below concerning their rights while residing in Switzerland as UK citizens. Graham Robertson BRA Chairman Message from the Ambassador in Berne Swiss Explainer Swiss citizens’ rights agreement
British Embassy Roadshows 2019 for UK Nationals
Invitation to the UK Nationals Roadshows 2019 The British Embassy in Berne cordially invites you to attend our Roadshows across Switzerland and Liechtenstein. We will update you on how the UK’s exit from the EU will affect your citizens’ rights as a UK national living in Switzerland or Liechtenstein, what steps should you take before 29 March 2019, and how can you stay informed about the latest developments. The events will begin with an introduction and then the floor will be open for your questions. We look forward to welcoming you soon, Kind regards, The British Embassy Berne If you would like to attend one of these events, please sign up using the relevant link below. If you know any UK nationals who might be interested in attending, please share this page with them. The Venue for each event will be announced to registered attendees a few days before that event . UK Nationals Roadshow – Places & Dates Berne: Thursday, 10 January 2019, 18:00 – 20:00 Register for the event here. Lugano: Monday, 14 January 2019, 18:00 – 20:00 Register for the event here. Zug: Tuesday, 15 January 2019, 18:00 – 20:00 Register for the event here. Zurich: Thursday, 17 January 2019, 18:00 – […]
Message from UK Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein
Ambassador Jane Owen, has provided an update and video message about the EU exit process to UK Nationals living in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The text is below and the video can be watched on Youtube at: https://youtu.be/CPhJNulGyCQ If you have any comments or questions please contact the Embassy using the email address given below. Graham Robertson Chairman, BRA 28 August 2018. Message from UK Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein Providing certainty for citizens has been a top priority for the UK government from the start of the EU exit process. In our June 2017 position paper and in many ministerial statements, including by the Prime Minister, we have been clear that we want to secure citizens’ rights agreements for UK nationals in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, similar to that which we offered and agreed with the EU. We want to do this as soon as possible, and are pleased that this is also a priority for the Swiss and Liechtenstein governments. Importantly, in our negotiations with the EU we have agreed that the time-limited Implementation Period will mean our agreements with Switzerland and Liechtenstein will continue to apply until the end of 2020, including those protecting the rights of UK nationals in Switzerland […]
Alan Baker, new Chairman for Romandie West.
Michael Bruce, having been advised to reduce his activities, retired as Chairman of Romandie West (RW) at the AGM in May. However, having started the “project” of planning that region’s 2018 Queen’s Birthday Party, he saw it through to a successful conclusion. Many thanks are due to Michael for stepping into the gap a couple of years ago at the head of RW and for doing much to build up good relations with a large number of like-minded associations in the area. Good news is that there is no vacuum at the top of RW. We are fortunate that ALAN BAKER, a strong BRA member, has agreed to take over the helm of the region. Alan is a popular ‘activist’ in the Leman area and is known more widely in Switzerland as Vice-Chairman of the RAFA Swiss Branch and a former Royal British Legion Committee member. He was co-opted onto the BRA Council at its meeting in June and is already beavering away, planning how to help the BRA meet the challenges of remaining relevant and interesting in this busy region. We wish Alan well in his new post and I encourage all to support him and his team in […]
BRA Policy on Security of Your Personal Data
Recently the Western world has had a flurry of activity caused by the introduction of the E.U.’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), with threats of €20 million fines if we all do not strictly comply with this one-size-fits-all law. Although the BRA is based in Switzerland and is regulated by the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection, we cannot ignore the GDPR if only because some members (like me) live in France. Consequently, like other organisations whether the size of Airbus or the local croquet team, we have had a look at how we handle personal information and how we will need to adapt some of our procedures. In essence, we are writing down and publishing in the form below what has been an implicit BRA privacy policy; spelling-out the means that we use to contact you; and making all of that obvious on the application form for those joining in future. If you are happy with the way BRA looks after your personal data and communicates with you, you need do nothing. If you have queries about the information about you we hold, ask Noreen or myself. If you want to restrict some or all of your personal data […]
UK Embassy Roadshows for UK Nationals
The UK Embassy has asked BRA to broadcast the following message to all of our members and their contacts. This is a chance to hear what is happening about Brexit and to make your views known. Note the need to register quickly. Calling all British Nationals in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, The British Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Jane Owen, cordially invites you to a series of events to discuss Brexit. There will be the chance to meet the Ambassador, ask your questions about Brexit and share your thoughts on its impact on you. Here are the dates coming up: 22 February 2018: Bern 23 February 2018: Genève 07 March 2018: Basel 13 March 2018: Zürich 20 March 2018: Lugano 23 March 2018: Vaduz The events will be after work, beginning roughly at 6pm. Further details to follow soon. Please register by emailing us at info.berne@fco.gov.uk with the subject “British Nationals Roadshow”, including your full name and the event you would like to attend. Similarly, if you have specific issues or questions that you want to raise or otherwise get involved, please let us know in your email. We look forward to welcoming you at one of our Roadshows. British Embassy Berne
Message from Jane Owen, UK Ambassador, to BRA Members
Greetings to all members of the British Residents’ Association and thank you for all the work you do to keep the engine of UK/Swiss relations running smoothly, and also helping to promote Britain, our values, our strengths and our outreach here in Switzerland. Sitting here in my office and looking out of the window at Thunplatz in Bern, I can’t believe that I have now been here for just over a month. I was delighted that our Prime Minister was able to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos last week, and had the opportunity to meet President Berset. This confirmed at the highest level our commitment to our bilateral relationship within a strong Europe as well as in the wider world. I’m grateful to so many people for the information, friendship and advice that they have offered me, including Graham Robertson your chairman. I’m looking forward to meeting more of the BRA members, and hearing about your achievements, which I know cover all aspects of our bilateral relationship, from trade and technology to culture, education, research and tourism. The UK and Switzerland have an incredibly close partnership, which is not always fully appreciated by people outside its immediate sphere of […]
New Ambassador & BRA Patron
Jane Owen replaced David Moran in the post of Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Swiss Confederation and non-resident Ambassador to Liechtenstein in late December 2017. On 12 January, I was fortunate to be given a meeting with her to introduce the BRA and to request that she took on the rôle of BRA Patron. She readily accepted the task and expressed a willingness to get to know UK residents in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. We had a good discussion on matters of concern to our members and how the BRA and the Embassy can work together to meet these concerns. After the meeting the following appeared on Ms Owen’s Twitter feed (@JaneOwenFCO . Jan 12). “Delighted to meet Graham Robertson, Chairman of the British Residents’ Association of Switzerland this morning. It’s an honour to be their patron and look forward to working together to support our large and influential community across the country.” Graham Robertson National Chairman, BRA
BREXIT UPDATE, 21 December 2017
I have received the message below from Jane Owens, the new UK Ambassador who took up her post on 18th December. Ms Owen’s aim is to let British Residents know the state of progress on their rights after Brexit. I will be meeting her at the Embassy on 12 January and will emphasize the importance of this matter to BRA. I would appreciate you letting me know of any concerns that I should bring to the notice of the Embassy. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/message-from-the-british-ambassador-to-british-citizens-living-in-switzerland-and-liechtenstein In the meantime, I would like to wish you a Happy Christmas and a peaceful and fulfilling 2018. Graham Robertson National Chairman
BREXIT UPDATE, 8 December 2017
On 8th December, an agreement in principle was reached between the UK Government and the European Commission on the the first phase of the negotiations on the UK withdrawal from the E.U. Apart from matters concerning financial settlements and the Irish border, there is more detail on protection of citizens’ rights including work, social and medical benefits. The joint technical note agreed between the the two sides of the negotiations is at; https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/665869/Joint_report_on_progress_during_phase_1_of_negotiations_under_Article_50_TEU_on_the_United_Kingdom_s_orderly_withdrawal_from_the_European_Union.pdf Although this is an agreement between the UK and the EU, it is likely that the provisions on citizens’ rights will also be applied by Switzerland. However, the full details will have to wait until the final settlement. Graham Robertson National Chairman
“The BRA NEEDS YOU to do your bit”
“The BRA NEEDS YOU to do your bit” At the 2017 AGM there was a discussion as to the merits of offering one year’s free membership to those members who successfully introduced a new BRA member. Your Council has decided to continue this incentive until December 2018. WE NEED NEW MEMBERS. Go out into the valleys, rolling meadows, towns, villages, and uplands of Switzerland and seek new members. The BRA will not survive without new ” blood “. Don’t rely on your Council. You must play your part too, so as to ensure that the BRA prospers for the foreseeable future. Succeed, and your 2019 annual subscription will be ZERO. Lord Kitchener in World War One said ” Your country needs you “. Similarly, the BRA needs you to do your ” bit ” so that it can survive and flourish.
Welcome to the New BRA Website
For a number of years our website has provided information to BRA members. However, its age was causing Nigel Coombs increasing effort and heartache to keep it going. Last week, an update installed by our service provider proved incompatible with our existing application and “knocked out” our website to the extent that we were unable to enter it even for maintenance. The BRA Council agreed last year to build a more modern website. Deborah Gorsatt took on the project and, aided by our Secretary, has worked hard with the consultant to develop this new site. We have decided to bring the new website on-line now to ensure that BRA members have continued access to the information they need to plan their activities. Although some parts remain under construction, we hope that you find this new site informative and easy to use. I would like to thank Nigel Coombs for the supreme effort he has put in over the years to develop and maintain the old site. Deborah, Noreen and Thierry Butikofer (our consultant) have put in many long and hard hours to develop the new site and to make good the loss of our old site; they deserve our thanks particularly […]
BREXIT UPDATE, 26 June 2017
The UK Prime Minister has announced that the British government will continue pension uprating, payment of disability benefits and healthcare cover after Brexit for British expatriates in the EU. Speaking in the House of Commons on 26 June 2017, Theresa May said: “The UK will continue to export and uprate the UK state pension and provide associated healthcare cover within the EU. We will continue to protect the export of other benefits and associated healthcare cover where the individual is in receipt of those benefits on the cut-off date”. The cut-off date refers to a date, yet to be set, between the article 50 trigger day, March 29, 2017 and the day the UK leaves the EU, which may be March 29, 2019. She added that subject to negotiation, the UK would like to continue to participate in the European Health Insurance Card scheme so UK cardholders continue having free or reduced cost healthcare on visits to the EU, and vice versa. The obligations agreed to in the EU withdrawal treaty will bind the UK as a matter of international law, she said. “We will also incorporate the commitments into UK law, guaranteeing we will stand firmly by our part […]
BREXIT UPDATE
Below is a summary of recent BREXIT-related actions and events of interest to BRA members. The BRA is not a campaigning organisation but we will continue to keep our members informed of relevant actions and events as they arise. We are fortunate in having an Ambassador whose Embassy in Bern takes an interest in supporting UK citizens living in Switzerland. Through our close relations with the Embassy, the BRA will continue to make known the concerns and views of its members to the UK authorities. 31 January. BSCC Lunch in Geneva, On 31 January , a number of BRA members took up The British-Swiss Chamber of Commerce Geneva Chapter’s kind invitation to join them for lunch at the Warwick Hotel to hear Swiss Ambassador Henri Gétaz talk about BREXIT: implications for Switzerland and Swiss-EU relations. As the leader of the team in the Swiss Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs dedicated to finding a satisfactory outcome to negotiations, Ambassador Gétaz explained the Swiss approach to negotiating with the UK and the EU about Brexit and the Swiss referendum on “free movement”. He described the Swiss aims as to “preserve rights and obligations based on CH-EU agreements also after Brexit and to extend relations […]
Berne is Best European Capital City
Berne in Switzerland has been crowned the Best European Capital City to work in, while the Albanian capital Tirana is the worst! London came 18th in this research conducted by silverdoor.co.uk. You can see it here! The research compared the cost of living, average monthly salary, unemployment rate, traffic commute and average hours worked in each capital.
Her Majesty the Queen surpasses Queen Victoria’s record
Your Council sent this letter to the Queen on Monday on your behalf congratulating her on becoming the longest-serving monarch in British history on this day, September 9, 2015. We are honoured to have received this reply from Her Majesty dated September 30, 2015. You can see a selection of pictures taken during each year of her reign on the BBC website just by clicking here! Buckingham Palace has calculated that Queen Victoria reigned for 23,226 days, 16 hours and 23 minutes, taking into account 63 years, 15 leap days, additional months and days and the precise timings of her accession and death. By those calculations, Queen Elizabeth II overtakes Victoria with 63 years plus 16 leap days, additional months and days and the exact time of the death of her father, King George VI. She came to the throne when she was older than Victoria, who was only 18. The historian, Dr Kate Williams, said “It shows that our female monarchs last the longest. The Queen’s longevity is a great source of her strength and popularity. She has lived through World War Two and throughout the 20th century.” Queen Victoria ascended the throne upon the death of her uncle, William IV, on 20 June 1837, less […]
British Citizenship for children born in Switzerland
A new version of this legislation is in the pipeline which will permit application for British citizenship for children born here of British parents also born here. The requirement for the parent to have spent 3 years in the UK before the child was born remains, but the application will be able to be made as long as the child is a minor, rather than before the child’s first birthday as is the case at present. Caveat: This statement has not been verified by the Embassy
Diamond Jubilee Concert – 2012
Queen Elizabeth’s actual birthday, 21 April, was the date chosen for the magnificent Diamond Jubilee Concert held in Geneva’s Victoria Hall as the BRA’s national event. Tickets were booked well in advance and on the day a crowd of 1500 people waited impatiently outside for the doors to open. The venue was appropriate; the hall had been built and donated to Geneva by the then British Consul, Daniel Barton, in 1897 to celebrate that earlier British Queen’s Diamond Jubilee – which explains the name (and also probably why the Geneva authorities allowed the BRA to use it free of charge!). Sir Arthur Bliss’s Fanfare for a Distinguished Occasion, played by trumpeters from the organ balcony bathed in spotlights, was a suitably impressive opening to the proceedings. The British Ambassador to Switzerland, Sarah Gillett, then gave a brief address and read a congratulatory message from the Queen addressed to the Organizing Committee. The concert programme had been put together by Committee Chairman, Michael Type, with the help of Jean-Pierre Chevailler, Director of Music of Geneva’s Corps de Musique d’Elite Brass Band, and May Hofman, who directed the specially formed Diamond Jubilee Choir of 120 people supplemented by the 30 strong Children’s […]