A sustained campaign of negotiation and pressure – with Nautilus International at the forefront – has delivered a significant step forward for inland waterways professionals, as Swiss authorities have agreed to withdraw a controversial visa requirement that risked disrupting hotel ship operations in Basel. Rob Coston reports
The so-called 10-day rule, introduced by the Swiss Federal Office for Migration (SEM) in cooperation with Basel's Office for Economic Affairs, obliged crew from countries such as the Philippines to spend a minimum of 10 days per year alongside in Basel in order to secure a work permit. The measure posed considerable crewing challenges for river cruise companies and therefore threatened to drive them away from operating in the area, which would in turn have serious employment consequences for crew of all nationalities.
Following persistent engagement from Nautilus and other stakeholders, the requirement has now been scrapped – removing a major obstacle for both employers and crew. This outcome is the result of months of targeted union advocacy, including media interviews, a public seminar, and meetings with national authorities. Throughout the process, Nautilus consistently drew attention to the relationship between immigration rules and employment standards, arguing that foreign crew should be engaged on robust Swiss contracts rather than precarious Cypriot arrangements.
Although the visa barrier has been lifted, the wider regulatory framework is still being finalised. Nautilus continues to play an active role in shaping the new system, ensuring that protections for crew from developing countries are upheld by sharing expertise with authorities that check visa applications and helping them understand the content of contracts. Authorities have already indicated that limits on crew composition will remain in place – with a maximum share of crew coming from third countries – alongside binding minimum standards on pay and working conditions.
'The abolition of this rule marks a significant victory and underscores the power of coordinated advocacy in shaping policy across the maritime and inland navigation industries,' Nautilus national secretary Holger Schatz said. 'It isn't just about visas – it is about protecting jobs and standards across the sector. The new policy will lead to more Swiss contracts. We'll keep working as the regulatory framework is developed, and will keep members informed.'
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