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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. You will find a separate message on this site giving information on the responses by the UK and French authorities. BRA will provide additional information on this Website when it becomes available. Graham Robertson, BRA Chairman
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 […]
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
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
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.
APPLICATION FOR BRA SECRETARY POST
The BRA is accepting no more applications for the post of Secretary of the Association. We thank all those who have applied and will be responding to each of them individually. Graham Robertson, Chairman. 14 May 2020
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
Advertisement for Secretary BRA
Secretary, British Residents’ Association of Switzerland (BRA) The British Residents’ Association of Switzerland (BRA) is looking for someone to join the central management team as the BRA Secretary. This part-time post would suit someone who wishes the benefits of dealing with members throughout Switzerland while working from home. Information about the BRA can be found on the association’s website www.britishresidents.ch. Role: The BRA Secretary acts as a focal point for the BRA and provides administrative support to the Council and Members of the BRA. The appointment is for a part-time post of about 2 days per week. In particular, the Secretary is responsible for; Maintenance of a membership database including subscription renewals. As directed by the Treasurer, managing routine accounting, contracts, and financial receipts and payments. Support to the Council, including arranging Council and general meetings, recording of minutes, follow-up actions and assisting with events. Assisting editors with production of a quarterly Bulletin, a Website and information in electronic form to members. Managing BRA correspondence, records and archives. Reports to: National Chairman, BRA. Requirements: This part-time appointment is the sole employee of the BRA and should be resident with the right to work in Switzerland. Although the Secretary will normally […]
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. […]
BRA Subscription Dues
Subscriptions are due January 2020 The different subscription rates are as follows: > Single member: CHF 65 per annum > Couple or Family living at the same address: CHF 90 per annum Payments can be made via e-banking: CH38 0900 0000 1705 5708 4 If in the past you were entitled to a reduced rate of: CHF 40 per annum for a Single member or CHF 60 per annum for a Couple living at the same address This rate still applies to you, but is no longer being applied to other Members as of 2019
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