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Home , Beggingen, Canton of Schaffhausen, Hallau, Hemishofen, Merishausen, Neuhausen am Rheinfall

WELCOME TO A guide for new arrivals 2 PUBLICATION DETAILS: Publisher: Kanton Schaffhausen, Departement des Innern 1st edition 2015 Editorial: Integres, Integrationsfachstelle für die Region Schaffhausen Chantal Bründler Sources: Sekretariat Departement des Innern Mühlentalstr. 105 8200 Schaffhausen Tel. +41 52 632 74 61 / Email [email protected] Integres Krummgasse 10 8200 Schaffhausen Tel.+41 52 624 88 67 / Email [email protected] Design: Sepp Pircher Picture sources: BBF Communication + Design: Seite 19 R, 20 R, 21, 23 M, 24, 31 L, 34 M, 35 Chantal Bründler: Seite 11R, 23 L / R, Haus der Kulturen: Seite 11L Höhere Fachschule Schaffhausen, Fotograf Michael Kessler: Seite 29 Koordinationsstelle öV, Kt. SH: Seite 16 Sepp Pircher: Seite 6 M / R, 8 L, 12, 15 R, 18, 20 L, 26, 28, 30, 31 R, 34 R, 36 Stadtarchiv Schaffhausen: Seite 9L Wirtschaftsförderung Kanton Schaffhausen, Fotograf Röbi Bösch: Seite 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 M, 10, 13, 14, 15 L, 16, 17, 19 L, 22, 25, 27, 32, 33, 34 L, 40 www.parlament.ch: Seite 6 L (L = Links, M = Mitte, R = Rechts auf der Seite) Print: Drucksachen- und Materialzentrale Kanton Schaffhausen Printed on: REFUTURA FSC; 100 % Recyclingpapier, chlorfrei gebleicht, CO2-neutral. TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome! 4 Willkommen! 5 3 Diverse 6 Schaffhausen region 7 Basic values 9 Arrival & stay 10 Communication & integration 11 Living 13 Mobility 16 Work 18 Social security 20 Taxes 22 Marriage, family & children 23 School 26 Training & further education 28 Health 30 Leisure & culture 32 Everyday tasks 34 Political life 35 Addresses 37 WELCOME!

A warm welcome to the ! 4 Grüezi mitenand!

We are delighted that you have decided to live in the canton of Schaffhausen. Our canton has a lot to offer. An attractive range of housing and jobs, good transport links, a contemporary education system and an intact landscape. The majestic , the green and the with its impressive vineyards invite you to explore and relax.

People of diverse backgrounds and cultures live in peaceful co-existence in the canton of Schaffhausen. The individuality and identity of all are respected. This is not to be taken for granted and all involved – new arrivals as well as the local population – have to play their part. The central components of this are mutual respect, openness and tolerance. Active associations, numerous educational facilities and a large number of cultural events offer the opportunity to enter into contact with the local population and to participate in the social life.

Make use of these!

Our goal is that you and your families feel at home in the canton of Schaffhausen, that you are suc- cessful and participate actively in the social life. This brochure aims to help you and provide you with important and useful information about your new home. We wish you a successful start at your new home, lots of interesting encounters and exciting experiences.

On behalf of the cantonal government, I wish you a warm welcome to the canton of Schaffhausen.

Ursula Hafner-Wipf, member of the cantonal government Willkommen!

Herzlich willkommen im Kanton Schaffhausen! Grüezi mitenand! 5

Es freut uns sehr, dass Sie sich entschieden haben, im Kanton Schaffhausen zu leben. Unser Kanton hat viel zu bieten: Ein attraktives Wohn- und Arbeitsplatzangebot, gute Verkehrsverbindungen, ein zeitgemässes Bildungssystem und eine intakte Landschaft. Der majestätische Rhein, der grüne Randen und der Klettgau mit seinen beeindruckenden Rebbergen laden zur Erkundung und Erholung ein.

Im Kanton Schaffhausen leben Menschen unterschiedlichster Herkunft und Kulturen friedlich zusam- men. Die Individualität und Identität aller werden respektiert. Dies ist nicht selbstverständlich und alle Beteiligten - die Zuziehenden wie auch die einheimische Bevölkerung - müssen ihren Beitrag leis- ten. Zentrale Grundlagen dafür sind gegenseitiger Respekt, Offenheit und Toleranz. Ein reges Vereins- leben, zahlreiche Bildungsangebote und eine Vielzahl kultureller Veranstaltungen bieten die Chance, mit der einheimischen Bevölkerung in Kontakt zu treten und am gesellschaftlichen Leben teilzuneh- men. Nutzen Sie diese!

Unser Ziel ist, dass Sie und Ihre Familien sich wohl fühlen im Kanton Schaffhausen, dass Sie erfolg- reich sind und aktiv am gesellschaftlichen Leben teilnehmen. Diese Broschüre soll Sie dabei unterstüt- zen und Ihnen wichtige und nützliche Informationen zu Ihrer neuen Heimat liefern. Wir wünschen Ihnen einen guten Start an Ihrem neuen Lebensort, viele eindrückliche Begegnungen und spannende Erlebnisse.

Im Namen des Regierungsrates heisse ich Sie herzlich willkommen im Kanton Schaffhausen.

Ursula Hafner-Wipf, Regierungsrätin DIVERSE SWITZERLAND

STRUCTURE OF SWITZERLAND CANTONS 6 Switzerland is a small country that is comprised of four The cantons, frequently also called states, are the different linguistic regions. The four official national lan- original states that joined together in 1848 to form the guages are spoken in these areas: German, French, Ita- confederation. Each canton has its own constitution, its lian and Romansh. However, in these regions you will own and its own government and courts. also find more or less different ways of life. Switzerland is a nation of will: it does not form either an ethnic or a MUNICIPALITIES linguistic or a religious unit. Like all cantons, the canton of Schaffhausen is divided The state structure of Switzerland is federalist and is into municipalities. Around a fifth of the municipalities structured into three political levels: federal administrati- have their own parliament. Here, the people can only de- on, cantons and municipalities. The federal constitution cide directly in important issues by means of an optional forms the basic legal system and regulates the most im- or obligatory referendum. Four fifths of the Schaffhausen portant principles of co-existence. It describes the distri- municipalities are organised in direct democratic form. bution of tasks between the federal administration and Decisions are taken here in the municipal assembly. The cantons and the responsibilities of the authorities. municipalities keep the residents’ register on behalf of the federal administration and of the canton. They also decide on school and social matters, energy supply, road FEDERAL ADMINISTRATION construction and local planning or taxes. The individual The “Bund” is the Swiss term for the federal administ- canton determines the scope of the municipal autonomy. ration. The other frequently used expression for this is This is therefore very diverse. the “Eidgenossenschaft” or confederation. The federal administration is responsible in all the areas in which www.bfm.admin.ch >Dokumentation >Publikationen: the federal constitution empowers it. For instance, in the Federal brochure “Welcome to Switzerland - Information for new arrivals“. Translated into numerous languages. legal system valid across the country, in foreign and se- curity policy or in customs or monetary system. Tasks www.ch.ch: Switzerland and its authorities explained. that are not explicitly a matter for the federal administ- www.swissworld.org: Information about Switzerland. ration are the responsibility of the next lower level: that of the cantons. DIVERSE SWITZERLAND SCHAFFHAUSEN REGION

AUTONOMOUS REGION The landscape around Schaffhausen lies on the edge of People who live in Schaffhausen appreciate its compact the Swiss Mittelland region. The gentle hills and valleys 7 size, its high quality of life, the beautiful places to live, are part of the foothills of the Jura and bear testimony to the local recreational areas on their doorstep and the the glacier movements of the last Ice Age. above-average range of cultural and sporting activities. The landscape is diverse and characterised particularly As the most northerly canton in Switzerland, Schaff- by the Rhine with its unique river landscape, the large hausen is largely surrounded by . 82% of the areas of forest, the sweeping agricultural land and the 185-km-long border is with the federal state of Baden- carefully maintained vineyards. Württemberg. 1740 border stones encircle the canton. The canton has an area of 298 square kilometres and The authorities therefore maintain open and constructive corresponds to 0.7% of the entire territory of Switzer- contact at diverse levels not only with its neighbouring land. Around 78,000 people live in the 26 municipalities cantons but also with its German neighbours. of the canton; that equates to around 1% of the entire The canton is divided into three separate areas that are population in Switzerland. Schaffhausen is thus one of all located north of the Rhine. The main part stretches the smallest cantons in Switzerland. from the Rhine bend at Schaffhausen and in the Klettgau region, to the Randen area www.sh.ch: Homepage of the canton of Schaffhausen. Information and the Reiat plateau. In the east, the Steiner Zipfel lies from the administration, the government and the parliament. at the efflux of the Untersee and in the south west the www.sh.ch >Kurzportrait: Brief portrait of the canton lower part of the canton with the two villages Buchberg and Rüdlingen.

1 Bargen 11 Lohn 1 2 12 Löhningen 2 13 3 Beringen 13 20 6 11 24 4 Buch 14 Neuhausen 23 15 16 21 19 4 16 8 7 17 9 12 3 17 Ramsen 18 Rüdlingen 15 14 10 25 22 19 Schaffhausen 26 20 5 Buchberg 21 6 Büttenhardt 22 7 Dörflingen 23 Stetten 18 8 Gächlingen 24 Rhein 5 9 25 10 26 SCHAFFHAUSEN REGION

HISTORY population fights for and gains the same rights as ur- 8 With the settlement by the Alemannic tribes, the pre- ban dwellers. The canton, the city of Schaffhausen and sent settlement structure of the Schaffhausen region is 35 independent municipalities are created in the 19th created in the early . Alemannic remains century. from the 7th century are known from almost all over the Up to the start of the 19th century, the inhabitants of cantonal territory. The most important settlements are, Schaffhausen primarily live from agriculture, crafts and as they were in Roman times, at Schleitheim and Stein trade. This changes with the commitment of industrial am Rhein. pioneers who lay the foundation stone for a radical re- After the turn of the century, economic life in the region, structuring of the economy. In the 19th and 20th centu- which had been predominantly agricultural up to then, ry, Schaffhausen develops into an important industrial undergoes great dynamism. At the latest in the 11th location with numerous renowned companies. century, the link to the Rhine becomes more important. The award of minting and market rights in Schaffhausen ECONOMIC BOOM and Stein am Rhein and particularly the rapid growth of In the 1950s and 1960s, the region benefits from the the city of Schaffhausen are attributable to increasing general economic growth. The traditional companies trading activities. The interruption of the important wa- such as Georg Fischer, SIG, IVF and others are booming; terway by the Rhine Waterfall is used by the residents they are joined by new companies. There is virtually no of Schaffhausen for unloading, transport and reloading unemployment. On the contrary, labour is scarce and work in return for the corresponding fees and customs has to be fetched from abroad, at the time particularly levies. With the acquisition of sovereign rights over the from . villages in the surrounding area, the development of a The crisis in the 1990s results in a radical reduction in strong city state begins. jobs in industry. Schaffhausen has to re-orient itself and In the Middle Ages, Schaffhausen is often between the give its economy a broader footing. With the settlement of fronts of the major powers. To maintain its independence, new companies and the conversion of existing company, Schaffhausen enters into the confederation in 1501 and the importance of the service sector increases. After a assumes the responsibility of securing the northern bor- substantial decline in the population in the 1990s, the der of the confederation, which also includes Munot Fort population has been increasing again for some years. which was largely constructed in serf labour and today is Many immigrants are coming from abroad, now particu- the symbol of the city. larly from Schaffhausen’s neighbouring state in Germany.

DEMOCRATIC AWAKENING www.allerheiligen.ch: The All Saints’ Museum (Museum zu Up to the end of the 18th century, the representatives Allerheiligen) combines history, archaeology, art and natural history under one roof, specifically also from the Schaffhausen of the municipal govern over their rural subjects. region. With the upheaval of the French Revolution, the rural BASIC VALUES

BASIC RIGHTS Freedom of expression Switzerland and thus also the canton of Switzerland at- Everybody has the right to freely form their opinion and to 9 tach importance to the freedom, rights and obligations of freely express themselves pursuant to the law. each individual. The bases for peaceful co-existence are These rights may be restricted by the state under certain mutual respect and tolerance as well as recognition of circumstances. For this purpose, however, a statutory the same basic values. basis is required. If you see yourself threatened in your The basic rights are recorded in the federal constitution personal rights, there is advisory or legal assistance de- and in the cantonal constitution. All inhabitants of Swit- pending on the issue at hand. zerland, including foreigners, have these rights: Equal rights In Schaffhausen, there are free-of-charge or low-cost legal The state must treat everyone the same. This means that advice centres for all legal matters - addresses p. 37 nobody may be at a disadvantage, irrespective of their gender or age, their origins, race, language, religion, so- cial status, ideology, lifestyle or disability. Obligations: Obligation to do military service and Equality vote Men and women have the same rights in the family, In addition to the basic rights, there are also obligations education and work. Men and women are entitled to the for Swiss citizens. Switzerland, with its militia army, thus same wage for the same work. has a general obligation of military service. All Swiss men Right to life and personal freedom are involved in this. Everybody has the right to life. The death penalty is pro- There is also another special obligation in the canton hibited. Everyone has the right to personal freedom. of Schaffhausen. Here, all citizens are obligated to cast This means that nobody may be injured and that everyo- their vote in elections and referenda. ne is entitled to free movement. Right to marriage www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/1/101.de.pdf - Federal constitution of the Swiss Confederation Every person over the age of 18 is allowed to marry. Freedom of religion www.rechtsbuch.sh.ch >Staat/Volk/Behörden >10 Verfassung - Every person may freely select and exercise his or her Constitution of the canton of Schaffhausen. religion. Nobody may be forced to join or belong to a religious community. ARRIVAL & STAY

REGULATION OF STAY SUBSEQUENT ADMISSION OF 10 People who work during their stay in Switzerland or FAMILY DEPENDANTS spend more than three months in Switzerland require EU/EFTA citizens can normally have their family depen- a permit. A differentiation is made between short stays dants subsequently admitted irrespective of the type of (less than 1 year), residence permit (for a limited period their permit. Family dependants are deemed to be spou- of time) and permanent residence permit (for an unlimi- ses, parents and children who are not yet 21 or who ted period of time. still receive maintenance or support. People from coun- Registration is done with the residents’ registration of- tries outside of the EU/EFTA can, taking into account the fice of the municipality where you live. Even if you have statutory requirements, submit an application for sub- already lived in another Schaffhausen municipality, you sequent admission of family dependants (spouses and should register in person with the residents’ registration single children under the age of 18) at the residents’ office. registration office of the municipality where they live. De- tailed information and corresponding application forms The most important permits for foreigners are: can be obtained from the cantonal office of migration. Permit B: Annual residence Permit C: Permanent residence www.sh.ch > Verwaltung > Departement des Innern >Migrationsamt- Permit L: Temporary residence Cantonal Office of Migration (Kantonales Migrationsamt): Information on immigration, resident permits, later admission of family dependants. Permit G: Cross-border commuter Permit N: Asylum seekers www.bfm.admin.ch >Themen >Einreise bzw. >Aufenthalt: Detailed documentation from the Federal Office for Migration (FOM) on Permit F: Provisionally admitted foreigners immigration and staying in Switzerland. Permit S: People in need of protection www.sh.ch >Verwaltung >Gemeinden: Links to all municipalities of the canton with the addresses of the respective residents’ registration People classified as refugees have a right to stay. office of your municipality. This is noted in their foreigners’ pass. www.sh.ch >Verwaltung >Volkswirtschaftsdepartement >Arbeitsamt: Information on work permit and registration procedure. COMMUNICATION & INTEGRATION

INTEGRATION POLICY AND ADVICE LEARNING GERMAN In 2003, the cantonal government of the canton of There are numerous German courses in the Schaffhau- 11 Schaffhausen and the city council of Schaffhausen ad- sen region. The range of courses on offer is broad; in opted guidelines for a coherent integration policy in the addition to the usual German courses there are also canton. The guidelines indicate how access to everyday courses for mothers with childcare, for young adults with professional, social, cultural, linguistic and political life integrated school education or also offers for children can be improved for the migration population. The can- and other groups. Integres will advise you in the selection ton and the city of Schaffhausen are actively committed of the suitable offer. to the improvement of the integration possibilities in the Schaffhausen region. www.integres.ch >Deutschkurse & Integrationsangebote: Overview of the German and integration courses on offer. Integres is the specialist department for integration in the Schaffhausen region. Here, private individuals and also authorities and institutions receive advice when they Pursuant to Art. 4 of the Foreign Nationals Act, the ex- have any questions relating to integration and migration. tension of a residence permit can be linked to the con- dition that language or integration courses are attended. www.integres.ch - Integres, Specialist Department for Integra- This condition also applies for the issuing of a permit for tion for the Schaffhausen region: free-of-charge counselling on the later admission of family dependants. issues of integration and migration.

www.integres.ch >Publikationen & Formulare: Guidelines for a coherent integration policy (Leitlinien für eine kohärente Integrationspolitik).

GERMAN AS A COMMON LANGUAGE Switzerland is a multilingual country. A well-functioning communication is the key to integration. Communication means understanding and being understood. A common language forms the basis for this. German is spoken in the canton of Schaffhausen. Our official language is High German. In everyday life, we use the dialect, . Understanding and speaking German is the prerequisite for being able to communicate in everyday life and in the professional world. The common language forms a basis for living together. COMMUNICATION & INTEGRATION

INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION REGIONAL MEDIA A joint discussion is the decisive requirement for good 12 Schaffhausen newspapers collaboration. Intercultural interpreting goes far beyond www.shn.ch: Schaffhauser Nachrichten a literal translation. It makes it possible, despite different www.schaffhauseraz.ch: Schaffhauser az www.bockonline.ch: Schaffhauser Bock backgrounds and culture, to communicate on values and www.stammco.ch: Schaffhauser Landzeitung one’s own view of a situation. The confidence acquired www.augustin.ch: Heimatblatt in this way broadens the scope of manoeuvre of all in- www.klettgauerzeitung.ch: Klettgauer Zeitung / Schaffhauserland www.schaffhauserpost.ch: monthly newspaper for the Schaffhausen region volved and makes it possible to develop partner-like so- www.neuhauserwoche.ch: Neuhauser Woche lutions. The Derman specialist department places and www.lappi.ch: Lappi tue D’Auge uf, Schaffhauser Schurnalismus

accompanies the assignments in a professional manner. Regional radios The specialist department is available during office hours www.radiomunot.ch: Radio Munot from Monday to Friday. The national telephone interpre- www.rasa.ch: Radio Rasa www.toponline.ch/schaffhausen: Radio Top Regionaljournal SH ter service (TDD) accepts calls from all over Switzerland www.srf.ch >Regionaljournal /Schaffhausen: Schweizer Radio SRF on all weekdays around the clock and places suitable Regional television interpreters. This service is particularly suited for brief www.shf.ch: Schaffhauser Fernsehen clarifications, emergency situations or with discussions www.tele-d.ch: Tele D for which no interpreters are available on site. www.teletop.ch: Tele Top Regionalinfos SH Online media www.sah-sh.ch >Bereiche & Projekte >Vermittlung & Beratung www.schaffhausen.ch: regional info on jobs, culture, housing market and - Derman Specialist department, Swiss Worker’s Aid (SAH) much more. Schaffhausen (Fachstelle Derman, Schweizerisches Arbeiterhilfs- werk Schaffhausen): placement of interpreters.

http://0842-442-442.ch - National telephone interpreter service: placement of interpreters 24 hours a day.

INFORMATION MAKES COMMUNICATION EASIER You can find a great deal of information on the canton of Schaffhausen on the Internet or in the media. In par- ticular, the local newspapers provide information about life in the region. You will also find job and apartment ads in it, along with event tips and useful addresses, etc. You will also find information on the most important event in the region on the homepage of the canton of Schaffhausen. LIVING

FINDING AN APARTMENT INFRASTRUCTURE To find an apartment - to rent or buy - the following ap- Each house and each apartment in Switzerland has a 13 proaches have proven their worth: telephone connection. Telephone set, modem, etc. must • going through the ads in the local newspapers; be purchased yourself. The house connection must be • asking friends and acquaintances about apart- registered with Swisscom. In the canton of Schaffhau- ments about to be vacated; sen, most residential properties offer cable connection • contacting a property management company; for radio and television usage. Internet connection is • consulting one of the numerous Internet sites spe- available. The network voltage is 240 volts. Adapters for cialised in real estate. sockets are available in specialist stores.

www.schaffhausen.ch: regional info, among others, on the HOUSE CONTENTS AND THIRD- housing market. PARTY LIABILITY INSURANCE www.einkleinesparadies.ch >wohnen: regional info and online It is very much to be recommended that house contents database on properties for rent and purchase. and third-party liability insurance is taken out. With some tenancy agreements, this is even obligatory. These insu- RENT rances cover certain damage. For instance, if an over- People interested in an apartment usually first fill out a flowing bath causes water damage or when there is a registration form. The information that has to be provi- crack in a WC. ded here is, for example, age, marital status, profession, children, permit status, employer, wage, pets. An extract www.bwo.admin.ch - “Wohnen in der Schweiz” (“Living in Switzer- from the debt collection register is often required to pro- land”): information sheet from the Federal Housing Office (FHO) with central information about living in Switzerland. Available in ve that someone can pay the rent. This document can be 11 languages (Turkish, Tamil, Spanish, Serbian, Portuguese, Croatian, obtained from the Debt Collection Office of the canton of English, Albanian, Italian, French, and German). Schaffhausen or your last place of residence (outside of the canton of Schaffhausen). In most cases, a tenancy agreement also includes the general terms and conditions and the building regula- tions. Normally, tenants have to pay a rental security (deposit) before they move into the apartment and this is then repaid with interest after the tenancy agreement has ended. The payment of the rent is normally due at the start of the month. In addition to the rent, the ancilla- ry costs (heating, hot water, etc.) also have to be paid. If no ancillary costs are listed, they are included in the rent.

www.schkg.sh.ch - Debt Enforcement & Bankruptcy Office of the canton of Schaffhausen (Betreibungs- & Konkursamt Kanton Schaffhausen): The extract from the debt collection register must be requested in person at the counter (till). LIVING

LIVING TOGETHER IN A www.mieterverband.ch/sh - Tenants‘ Association Canton of MULTI-FAMILY BUILDING Schaffhausen (Mieterverband Kanton Schaffhausen): 14 legal advice on tenancy issues. Advice is free of charge for members; To ensure a harmonious co-existence in a rented proper- possible to join immediately. ty, all tenants have to be considerate of one another. The fundamental points are normally recorded in the building regulations. RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY Quiet times The purchase of building land and residential property by Night-time peace normally lasts from 10 pm to 7 am; foreigners is subject to certain restrictions. However, you midday quiet time from 12 noon to 1 pm. Noise is also do not need any permit for the acquisition of residential to be avoided on Sundays and public holidays. As a fun- property for your own place of residence. The cantonal damental rule, the TV sets and music devices in apart- land register office or your estate agent will inform you ments are to be kept at room volume. People who want about regulations that need to be noted when purchasing to celebrate a party do best to announce this to their land or residential property. From the home owners’ as- neighbours in advance. sociation or from the home association, you can obtain Communal rooms information about home ownership, have the possibility Entrance, stairwell, laundry room, parking spaces, etc. to seek legal advice or can obtain information on envi- are available to all tenants. It is important that tenants do ronmentally friendly living. not block these communally used parking spaces with their own things and ensure that they are kept clean. In www.hev-schweiz.ch & www.hev-sh.ch - Homeowners Association many buildings, it is regulated separately who can use (Hauseigentümerverband) Switzerland and Schaffhausen branch. the laundry room when. In most cases, smoking in the www.hausverein.ch/artikel/Ostschweiz/Ostschweiz - stairwells or in the lift or in the communal rooms is pro- Home Association (Hausverein ) branch. hibited. www.einkleinesparadies.ch >Wohnen oder Bauen: Information on When problems occur building and living in the Schaffhausen region with an online database for If something gets broken, the caretaker or the landlord / building land. the facility management company should be contacted. Particularly in larger buildings, the caretaker is there for minor repairs but also for safety and maintenance. Sim- MEDIA ACCESS ple repairs or cleaning must be carried out and paid for Telephone and Internet connection by the tenants themselves. For instance, when it is about Switzerland has a well-developed telecommunication replacing the filter in the steam extractor, a baking tray network. Access to telephones and the Internet are gu- or the shower hose. aranteed virtually everywhere. You must register with a If problems occur with the neighbours and dialogue is no provider to get a telephone and Internet connection. longer sufficient, you can consult your caretakers or your facility management. If no solution can be found, you can contact the following organisation: LIVING

Radio and television Glass, tins (white metal), PET, aluminium and The reception of radio and television programmes is sub- cooking oil 15 ject to a fee. This fee is charged by the Billag. As soon The disposal of glass, cans, PET drinks bottles, alumi- as you are in possession of a device ready for operation nium and cooking oil must be done via collection points (this includes Internet-compatible mobile and/or smart- with containers or via retail. phones), i.e. as soon as you have the possibility of using Detailed information also about the disposal of bulky the radio or television, you should register with the Billag. waste, chemicals, textiles, etc. can be found in the do- cuments from the municipality. www.billag.ch - Billag: Swiss agency responsible for collecting Paper and cardboard radio and television fees. Newspapers, magazines and cardboard are collected periodically by different organisations or the municipality. HOUSEHOLD & ENVIRONMENTAL The collection dates can also be found in the documents PROTECTION from the respective municipalities or in the daily press. With the right disposal of waste, we help to protect our Batteries environment. Your municipality will inform you about the In Switzerland, for all batteries, rechargeable batteries environmentally-friendly disposal of waste and will pro- and car batteries, consumers are obliged to return them vide you with information about collection points, collec- and retailers are obliged to take them back free of char- tion days and more. The financing is done via the waste ge. Appliance batteries can be returned in almost all collection fees. These are comprised of a basic and a stores. volume-based fee. Recyclable materials can be handed Electrical and electronic devices in at collection points free of charge. All electrically operated devices plus accessories can be handed in at the sales points of similar devices. The de- www.sh.ch >Departement des Innern - Coordination point vices will be taken back free of charge, even if you do not for environmental protection (Koordinationsstelle für Umwelt- buy a new one and irrespective of the brand. schutz): Point of contact for general environmental protection issues, coordination of environmental impact assessments. Information on waste disposal locally and on waste separation can be obtained from the municipality where you live.

Domestic waste www.interkantlab.ch: On the website of the Intercantonal Domestic waste collection is subject in all municipalities Laboratory >Schaffhausen you will find all the details about the disposal of waste to a fee. Fee stamps are available from the municipal administrations, post offices and in various shops. www.bafu.admin.ch - Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) (Bundesamt für Umwelt (BAFU)): Guide to waste and Compost general information on waste disposal. In various municipalities, organic waste (compost) can be disposed of separately from the rest of the domestic waste without a fee stamp. MOBILITY

SLOW TRAFFIC: OUT AND ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT 16 ON FOOT AND BY BIKE In Switzerland, there is a well-developed and efficient The bicycle is a popular means of transport in Switzer- public transport network that also includes the small mu- land. Cycle paths are well sign-posted or marked yellow nicipalities. The timetables of rail, bus and ship are alig- on the roads to ensure greater safety for cyclists on the ned to one another. Particularly for longer distances and roads. It is recommended that you take out a liability in- for commuting to work and school, rail is preferred by surance that insures you against damage towards third many travellers. There are various offers and travel cards parties when you are on your bike. with which you can use public transport at low cost. The Those who are out and about on foot should also be safe “Halbtax-Abo” (half-price travel card) is particularly po- in traffic. Pedestrians fundamentally have right of way pular, enabling public transport to be used for half price. on zebra crossings. Children who walk to school thus Children under the age of 6 travel free of charge. Older become more confident; have social contact and daily children up to the age of 16 can travel accompanied by exercise. The Schaffhausen traffic police thus teach kin- their parents or grandparents at low cost with the Juni- dergarten children and pupils on how to behave properly or or Grandchild Ticket. In some municipalities, you can in traffic. purchase low-cost day tickets for all of Switzerland.

www.fussverkehr.ch: Pedestrian Switzerland (Fussverkehr www.sbb.ch - SBB (Schweizerische Schweiz) deals with the concerns of pedestrians and champions Bundesbahnen SBB): Information on travel cards and ticket a pedestrian-friendly traffic planning. discounts as well as online timetable for all of Europe.

www.provelo-sh.ch: Pro Velo Schaffhausen is committed to promoting the bicycle as a healthy, fun and environmentally friendly means of transport in the Schaffhausen region. A bicycle Schaffhausen regional transport market is organised once a year. In Switzerland, there is a well-developed and efficient public transport network that also includes the small mu- www.schweizmobil.ch: Switzerland Mobile (Schweiz Mobil), national network for slow traffic. On the homepage, for instance, nicipalities. The timetables of rail, bus and ship are alig- cycling routes (www.veloland.ch), hiking routes, etc. can be ned to one another. Particularly for longer distances and called up. for commuting to work and school, rail is preferred by www.slowup.ch: Annual experience days for slow traffic. many travellers. There are various offers and travel cards In May of each year in the Schaffhausen region. with which you can use public transport at low cost. The www.velofahrkurse-sh.ch: Cycling courses in Schaffhausen “Halbtax-Abo” (half-price travel card) is particularly po- for children, adults and specifically also for migrants. pular, enabling public transport to be used for half price. www.schulweg-bildet.ch - Route to school educates Children under the age of 6 travel free of charge. Older (Schulweg bildet): Recommendations for parents on how they children up to the age of 16 can travel accompanied by can make it possible for their children to walk to school on their their parents or grandparents at low cost with the Juni- own and safely without their parents taking them. or or Grandchild Ticket. In some municipalities, you can purchase low-cost day tickets for all of Switzerland. MOBILITY

www.flextax.ch - Schaffhausen tariff network: travel cards, People who, however, have lived in Switzerland for tickets for the Schaffhausen region, general overview traffic more than a year must register an imported vehicle in network Schaffhausen region. 17 Switzerland. All motorised vehicles and trailers are to www.vbsh.ch - Schaffhausen municipal transport services (Ver- be officially tested before they are registered for use on kehrsbetriebe Schaffhausen) and SchaffhausenBus Information about regional timetables and travel cards. the roads in Switzerland. Please enquire early on at the cantonal road transport department about registration www.urh.ch - Swiss shipping company for the Untersee and requirements and the necessary documents. Rhine (Schweizerische Schifffahrtsgesellschaft Untersee und Rhein): timetables and proposals for excursions. www.sh.ch >Baudepartement - Department of road transport www.boev.ch - Swiss specialist department for barrier-free and shipping (Strassenverkehrs- und Schifffahrtsamt): public transport (Schweizerische Fachstelle Barrierefreier öffent- Information on driving licence, traffic safety, etc. licher Verkehr): information about discounts for mobility-impaired (Mobilitätsbehinderte ) people. www.tcs.ch - Touring-Club Switzerland (TCS) (Touring-Club Schweiz): Tests numerous child seats every year and gives recommendations. DRIVING A CAR IN SWITZERLAND Licence and traffic safety Foreign licences are valid in Switzerland one year from AIR TRAVEL date of entry. Within this period of time, a Swiss driving The international airport -Kloten is close by and licence must be applied for from the cantonal depart- quickly reached. The journey only takes around 30 mi- ment of road transport and shipping. Find out about the nutes by car and a direct train connection to the airport valid traffic regulations in Switzerland! takes 40 minutes. There are flights to virtually every im- Obligation to purchase a “Vignette” (motorway portant economic metropolis from Zurich every day. The toll disc) airport itself is easily accessible by public transport. It is A “vignette” is obligatory for travel on motorways. The possible to check in directly at Schaffhausen station. You “vignette” can be purchased from post offices, petrol will also get your boarding cards there. stations, garages and offices of the TCS and from the cantonal road transport departments. CROSS-BORDER TRAVEL – Motorised vehicle insurance CUSTOMS PROVISIONS Third-party liability insurance is obligatory for all cars, Neighbouring countries invite you to visit them. Remem- motorcycles, mopeds and also ships. The motorised ve- ber that you are crossing a national border and must hicle insurance can be extended with various additions. take the corresponding documents with you. Information Import of foreign vehicles into Switzerland on the customs provisions can be obtained from Swiss When you enter Switzerland and import a car from customs offices. abroad, you must register your vehicle with the Swiss customs office. Vehicles do not have to be registered www.ezv.admin.ch: Information for private individuals and compa- in Switzerland in the first twelve months since your per- nies from the Swiss Federal Customs Administration (FCA). sonal entry if the foreign plates are valid and insurance cover exists. WORK

FINDING A JOB RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN 18 Access to the labour market is regulated by law and de- DIPLOMAS pends on the permit status. To find work, a combination Various foreign diplomas and training courses can be re- of different search methods is recommended: cognised in Switzerland. Depending on the qualification, • apply for job offers in the newspapers; please contact the following organisations: • search for job ads on the Internet; • send speculative applications to companies; www.edk.ch >Arbeiten >Diplomanerkennung - Swiss Conference • contact employment placement offices; of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK) (Schweizerische Konferenz kantonaler Erziehungsdirektoren): Recognition of the professions in the • speak to people around you; education sector. • register with a regional employment placement cen- www.crus.ch >Anerkennung/Swiss ENIC >Zulassung >Ausländische tre (RAV). Ausweise oder >einzelne Länder- Rektorenkonferenz der Schweizer Universitäten: Information about admission requirements for Swiss www.rav-sh.ch - Regional employment placement centre universities. (Regionales Arbeitsvermittlungszentrum). www.sbfi.admin.ch/diploma/ - State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (Staatssekretariat für Bildung, Forschung und HOW DO I APPLY FOR A JOB IN Innovation SBFI): Coordinates the recognition of foreign diplomas. SWITZERLAND? In Switzerland, an applicable comprises a CV and a writ- WAGE AND SOCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS ten application. Work references and work confirmations In Switzerland, the gross wages are relatively high but which are attached to the dossier are also important for this also applies for living costs. There is no minimum the application. wage valid for all work sectors. Some sectors, however, Useful tips on creating an application dossier can be have minimum wages under the collective work agree- found on the Internet. ment. Obligatory contributions for the old-age and sur- viving dependants’ insurance (AHV), invalidity insurance www.berufsberatung.ch: General information on apprentice- (IV), unemployment insurance (ALV) and accident insu- ships, professions and work; tips on how to apply for jobs, etc. rance (UV) are deducted from the wage or salary. In the Documents translated into numerous languages. canton of Schaffhausen, employees and employers also www.schreibstube-sh.ch - Association meeting place for the pay a contribution to the cantonal social fund. From an unemployed in Schaffhausen (VETS) (Verein Erwerbslosentreff- punkt Schaffhausen): assistance in writing a CV and application. annual income of around CHF 20,000.00, contributions to the occupational pension (the so-called 2nd pillar) are www.treffpunkt-arbeit.ch: Information about work and looking also deducted as a supplement to the AHV. Overall, the for work in Switzerland deductions for the obligatory social insurances amount to around 15% of income.

www.bsv.admin.ch >Praxis >KMU/Betriebe >Überblick - Federal Social Insurance Office (Bundesamt für Sozialversicherungen): contribution rates. WORK

REDUNDANCY www.seco.admin.ch >Themen >Arbeit: Information People who live in Switzerland and lose their jobs are, relating to the topic of work. 19 if the necessary prerequisites are met, entitled to insu- www.bfm.admin.ch >Dokumentation >Publikationen: rance benefits, so-called per diem allowances. A valid The EURES brochures Living and Working in Switzerland provide information about working conditions in Switzerland. permit and at least 12 months of employment during the last two years before signing on as unemployed are the www.sh.ch >Volkswirtschaftsdepartement - Labour inspectorate pivotal conditions for the payment of the per diem allo- (Arbeitsinspektorat): The labour inspectorate is the advisory, service, competence and enforcement centre for occupational safety and health wances. If after termination of your employment contract, protection at the workplace as well as working and rest times. you do not find a new position straight away, please re- port immediately to the regional employment placement centre (RAV) – ideally still during the period of notice, PROTECTION AGAINST DISMISSAL where you will be given information on the next steps that The law protects employees in the event of illness, acci- you should take. dent, pregnancy or maternity leave from a termination of employment. A termination during this period is usually www.sh.ch >Volkswirtschaftsdepartement - Labour office void. In the event of unlawful dismissal for other reasons, canton of Schaffhausen (Arbeitsamt Kanton Schaffhausen): advice the employee, however, cannot be reintegrated into the in the event of unemployment, job placement, point of contact for work permits for foreigners, other questions relating to the topic company; solely compensation can be claimed in court. of work in Switzerland.

www.rav-sh.ch - Regional Employment Placement Centre (RAV) www.kas.ch - Secretariat of labour Schaffhausen (Arbeitersekretariat (Regionales Arbeitsvermittlungszentrum (RAV)): Support fort he Schaffhausen): legal counselling. unemployed. ILLEGAL EMPLOYMENT WORKING CONDITIONS Even somebody who is paid for occasional work in the Switzerland is known for its good working conditions. area of cleaning, childcare, house or garden work is Depending on the profession and industry, however deemed to be employed. He or she must have a permit they are regulated differently. Obtain information early under the foreigners’ law and be registered with the so- on about the valid working conditions. Your employment cial insurances (or register themselves); otherwise, it is contract stipulates the type of work to be performed, the illegal employment or work. The person working illegally working hours, probationary period, period of notice, is not ensured if he or she becomes an invalid, has an holidays, wage, professional indemnity insurance and accident or becomes unemployed. The consequences pension fund. There are collective bargaining agree- can be dramatic. It is therefore in the employee’s interest ments (GAV) in certain industries. A collective bargaining to be registered. agreement is a written agreement between individual or several employers or their professional associations and www.seco.admin.ch >Themen >Arbeit >Schwarzarbeit: Information on the topic of illegal work, assistance in getting out of illegal employment, unions. It includes provisions regarding the relationship organisations to contact. between employer and employee as well as provisions that are directed at the contractual parties to the collec- www.sh.ch/Schwarzarbeit-BGSA.3927.0.html: Information on illegal employment. tive bargaining agreement. SOCIAL SECURITY

PENSION PROVISION IN SWITZER- addition, a pension in old age is guaranteed. If you suf- 20 LAND fer social hardship, you can ask for assistance. You will The compact network of social insurances and public so- receive information from the municipality where you live cial security protects the people who live and work here and from Schaffhausen social security office. as well as their family members from the commercial consequences of illness, accident, unemployment, inva- www.svash.ch - Department of Social Insurance Schaffhausen lidity and other risks. The goal is to prevent poverty in (Sozialversicherungsamt Schaffhausen): Application forms and information on reduction in premiums and information on social Switzerland. Social security is an important cornerstone insurances. of the Swiss state. Self-responsibility and work are the www.bfm.admin.ch >Dokumentation >Publikationen - focus. Social security in Switzerland is based on social social insurances: stay in Switzerland and departure: information insurances, the 3-pillar pension provision system and for foreign nationals: the brochure provides detailed information social security. They safeguard the basis of existence if on the various social insurances and is translated into numerous languages. you or your family members get into financial difficulties due to incapacity for work, unemployment or death. In

Pension provision in Switzerland 1st pillar 2nd pillar 3rd pillar

State pension Occupational pension Private pension

Safeguarding existence Continuation of the usual Individual supplement standard of living AHV EL BVG Pillar 2b Pillar 3a Pillar 3b Old-age and sur- Supplementary Obligatory Non-mandatory Tied pension Free pension viving dependants‘ benefits occupational occupational fund insurance provision provision IV EO Income replace- Invalidity ment insurance insurance

The pension provision for old-age, death and invalidity 2nd pillar: In the occupational pension (pension fund), is built on three pillars: all employees have obligatory insurance from a certain 1st pillar: The AHV/IV/EO is the basic insurance. All per- annual income upwards. sons who live and/or work in Switzerland have obliga- 3rd pillar: Private pension provision is voluntary and is tory insurance. financed with personal savings. SOCIAL SECURITY

AHV and IV Occupational provision BV / pension fund The most important social insurance is the old-age and From a certain annual income upwards, employees in 21 surviving dependants’ insurance (AHV). Fundamentally, Switzerland have to join the professional pension fund all persons residing in Switzerland are subject to AHV, of their employer. The amount is between 7% and 18% irrespective of whether they are Swiss or foreign natio- of their annual income. At least half of these premiums nals, in employment or not employed. The pension age must be paid by the employer. The self-employed are not is 65 for men and 64 for women. It is possible to retire governed by this law. early but the pension will then be reduced. The contribu- Family allowances tions to the invalidity insurance (IV) are deducted along In the canton of Schaffhausen, employees are entitled to with the AHV contributions from the wage. In the event family allowances, and under certain prerequisites also of invalidity, the insurance entitles the insured person to the self-employed and people who are not in employ- support with reintegration into the labour market or for ment. For children with a domicile abroad, reductions a pension. If you do not have any work or if you are self- may apply. Children are entitled to child allowances from employed, you must pay the contributions directly to the the first day of their birth month to the end of the month fund. in which they turn 16. For children in education, the al- lowances apply until completion of training, but at the www.sh.pro-senectute.ch - Pro Senectute Canton most until they turn 25. Schaffhausen social advice for older people.

www.proinfirmis.ch - Pro Infirmis -Schaffhausen livelihood at risk advice and assistance for people with a disability and their relati- If you are no longer able to safeguard your livelihood on ves, until they reach old-age and surviving dependants‘ insurance (AHV) pension age (women 64 / men 65). your own, the social security system will help out. The task of the social security system is to avert, alleviate or eliminate material and personal hardship. In addition to Maternity leave compensation material assistance, the social security system promotes After giving birth, women in employment are entitled to the commercial and personal autonomy of the person in maternity leave of at least 14 weeks. In this period, they need and assists in their social and professional integra- usually receive 80% of their wage or salary. In addition, tion. The social security system is financed via taxes. In during the 9 months before the birth, they must have the canton of Schaffhausen, the canton and the muni- been insured and have worked for at least 5 months. cipalities are jointly responsible for regulating the social Detailed information can be obtained from the social in- security assistance. If you have any questions in individual surance department. cases, please contact the municipality where you live. TAXES

OBLIGATION TO PAY TAX 22 In Switzerland, the costs for public services such as www.steuern.sh.ch - Cantonal tax administration (Kantonale infrastructure, transport, education, police and army, Steuerverwaltung): a considerable amount of information on tax issues, online tax calculator, download tax software. health, social security, etc. are primarily paid for from the taxes of private individuals, companies and VAT. In www.economy.sh: >Publikationen >Dokumentationen: Tax guide of Schaffhausen Business Development Agency. The this way, everyone contributes to a well-functioning pub- manual provides you with data about taxation in the canton of lic life. Private individuals pay income and wealth taxes. Schaffhausen in a compact and clearly structured form.

HOW ARE TAXES COLLECTED? To calculate the taxes to be paid, Swiss nationals as well as people with a permit C have to complete a tax decla- ration every year. The tax declaration forms are sent to them at the beginning of each year. Free-of-charge tax software is available to help people fill out the forms. For- eign employees without permit C who have their domicile for tax purposes in Switzerland have their taxes deducted directly from their wage or salary (withholding tax). This concerns people with a permit B, asylum seekers and foreign nationals who commute on a weekly basis. If you have any questions, please contact your munici- pal tax administration, an advisory centre or a fiduciary agent. MARRIAGE, FAMILY & CHLDREN

MARRIAGE CIVIL PARTNERSHIP In Switzerland, you have to be 18 to get married. Only Same-gender couples have the possibility to have their 23 marriages that are concluded in a registry office are partnership recognised by having it registered. The re- recognised. In the canton of Schaffhausen, the registry gistry office of the city of Schaffhausen will inform you office of the city of Schaffhausen is responsible for all about the steps that need to be taken. areas relating to marriage, family, births and deaths. It will inform you about the requirements that have to be www.pinkcross.ch: Swiss gays and lesbians organisation, broad met for marriage and the documents that are required range of counselling service. for this. www.los.ch: lesbian organisation in Switzerland.

www.stadt-schaffhausen.ch >Finanzreferat - Registry office of the city of Schaffhausen (Zivilstandsamt der Stadt Schaffhausen): Information on marriage preparation BIRTH OF A CHILD The birth of a child brings many changes with it. In the www.bj.admin.ch >Bundesamt für Justiz >Themen > Schaffhausen region, there are many services that pre- Gesellschaft >Zivilstand: Numerous translated documents with information on the topic of marriage & civil partnership. pare you for this step and accompany you after the birth. Each birth is to be reported to the registry office of the www.ig-binational.ch: Interests group of binational couples. city of Schaffhausen. If the child is born in a hospital, the hospital reports the birth. With a home birth, the midwife is obligated to report the child’s birth. RIGHT TO FREE CHOICE OF PARTNER – FORCED MARRIAGE www.stadt-schaffhausen.ch >Finanzreferat >Zivilstandsamt >Geburt: In Switzerland, the right of free choice of partner applies. leaflet and necessary documents relating to registration of births. Accordingly, families or other persons have no right to www.partnerschaft-schwangerschaft-sh.ch - counselling centre force women or men to marry against their will. Coercion for partnership and pregnancy (Beratungsstelle für Partnerschaft und Schwangerschaft): couples and life counselling as well as counselling is a breach of fundamental human rights and the Swiss and information about pregnancy, birth, contraception. Federal Constitution and is a punishable offence. www.geburtshaus-sh.ch: Courses offered for birth preparation, childbed care, postnatal recovery, etc. www.fsgb-sh.ch - Specialist department for people affected by violence, Schaffhausen (Fachstelle für Gewaltbetroffene, www.hebammensuche.ch: Internet platform of the freelance midwives Schaffhausen): free-of-charge and anonymous victim counselling in the Schaffhausen region. for women, men, children and young people.

www.gegen-zwangsheirat.ch: Federal programme to combat forced marriages. MARRIAGE, FAMILY & CHILDREN

RAISING CHILDREN, HEALTH AND www.sh.ch >Private >Persönliches und Familie - Help for young DEVELOPMENT people (Jugendhilfe): point of contact and coordination when the 24 development of children and young people appears to be at risk. In Switzerland, eight paediatric medical examinations to check the child’s development in the first four years www.jash.ch/Jugendberatung: advice and accompaniment in the event of problems in the family, at school or at the workplace. The of life are covered by the basic insurance. At the same range of services offered is aimed at young people between the time, the Mothers’ and Fathers’ Counselling Centre is on ages of 12 and 24 as well as their families, parents, teachers and hand to provide parents with assistance and advice. Use- instructors. ful information and tips on everyday life with young child- www.projuventute-sh.ch - Pro Juventute Region Schaffhausen ren can be found in the parents’ letters of Pro Juventute events for families, material support of families and more. Pro Juventute parents’ letters: practical information on diet, care, Switzerland that have been translated into numerous development and the raising of children. Translated into several languages. “Elternbildung Schaffhausen” (“Parental languages. Sent monthly in the first year of life, 1st-3rd year of life, Education Service Schaffhausen”) regularly organises every two months, then three times a year until the end of the 6th year of life. lectures and course relating to raising children. With issues relating to the development and raising of your www.teddybär-sh.ch - Teddy Bear Specialist Department (Fachstel- le Teddybär): psychological counselling centre for parents and child. children, or in the event of problems at school, you can contact the various advisory centres that will look for so- www.doktor.ch/kinderaerzte >Kanton Schaffhausen: lutions together with you. Paediatricians in the canton of Schaffhausen

www.spitex-sh.ch >Mütter- & Väterberatung - Canton of SUPPORT AND EDUCATION Schaffhausen: advises on issues relating to health, development OUTSIDE OF THE FAMILY and the raising of your child (0-5 years). Various services to supplement and support families are Coordination of Parental Education in the Canton of Schaff- available in the canton of Schaffhausen. They range from hausen (KES) (Koordination Elternbildung Kanton Schaffhausen (KES): courses and lectures relating to the raising of children. counselling centres to babysitting services, mother and The programme of events is published 2x a year. toddler groups and playgroups, to child day-care centres and crèches. www.sh.ch >Erziehungsdepartement >Primar- und Sekundar- stufe I - School Evaluation and Counselling (SAB) (Schulische Abklärung und Beratung (SAB)): evaluations and counselling for Support services to supplement families children with learning and achievement problems, relationship and motivation difficulties or abnormalities in social behaviour. Support services in Schaffhausen to supplement fami- lies include child day-care centres, after-school day care www.hlf-fruehbereich.ch - Specialist department for centres for schoolchildren and lunch clubs. Depending curative education and speech therapy in the early school years (Fachstelle für Heilpädagogik und Logopädie im Frühbereich): on requirements, the children are looked after there all evaluation, counselling and therapy for children from birth to day or for a few hours. All services are subject to a fee. In when they start . some municipalities, the institutions are subsidised. Your www.spitaeler-sh.ch >Kinder- & Jugendpsychiatrie - Psychi- municipality will inform you about the services offered in atric service for children and young people (KJPD) (Kinder- und the area nearby and about participation in costs. Jugendpsychiatrischer Dienst (KJPD)): specialist department for the psychological development of children and young people and their families. In addition to evaluations and therapies, the KJPD also conducts counselling sessions for parents and specialists. MARRIAGE, FAMILY & CHILDREN

www.kinderbetreuung.stsh.ch - Information of the city of ACQUISITION OF LANGUAGE Schaffhausen about the child day-care centres, after-school Many parents are unsure what language they should day-care centres, lunch clubs and other childcare services. 25 communicate in tot their children in the new environ- www.zweidihei.ch - Association for childcare: support in ment. Current findings prove that children should talk to day-care families. their children in their first language (mother tongue) and www.roteskreuz-sh.ch >Entlastung und Betreuung - should also cultivate this language. At the same time, Red Cross Schaffhausen (Rotes Kreuz Schaffhausen): parents can support their children in acquiring of the assistance for families, placement of babysitters. language around them. This primarily means that you Cantonal placement and coordination centre for early should make it possible for your children to have contact learning: the specialist department provides information about services in the pre-school sector such as childcare, evaluations with other children and should send them, for instance, of development or parental services. Address p. 39 to a playgroup or child day-care centre.

www.integres.ch >Kinder & Jugendliche >Sprachförderung: Playgroups Language promotion services of the Schaffhausen region. There are also brochures available to download that provide tips on acquiring At playgroups, children are encouraged to develop their language (both German and mother tongue). linguistic and social skills in a fun way before they start kindergarten. The playgroup is usually held twice a week for 2 to 4 hours. The Schaffhausen playgroups have very OFFERS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE diverse orientations; there are, for instance, groups that The canton of Schaffhausen champions the concerns of meet in the forest or on the farm or who have a special young people. The Youth Commission brings together focus on developing language. the municipalities and associations of youth work and supports them with information and advice. In the city www.spielgruppen-sh.ch - specialist department and point of of Schaffhausen, the youth work offers young people contact for playgroups in Schaffhausen (Fach- und Kontaktstelle support. It is embedded in the Social Affairs division. To Spielgruppen Schaffhausen): directory of play groups as well as general information on playgroups. facilitate socio-cultural integration and participation for young people, youth work carries out various projects in different quarters. Mother-child and father-child gymnastics The mother-child gymnastics / father-child gymnastics is www.juko-sh.ch - Youth Commission of the canton of Schaffhausen (Jugendkommission Kanton Schaffhausen): networks municipalities and aimed at mothers and fathers with young children aged associations of youth work and provides assistance in the form of between 3 and 5. In the gymnastics lessons, health and information and advice. agility are promoted in a fun way. Find out about the www.jash.ch >Jugendarbeit - Youth work of the city of Schaffhausen services available from your municipality. (Jugendarbeit der Stadt Schaffhausen): Information on events.

www.vjps.ch - Association for youth issues, prevention and addiction assistance (Verein für Jugendfragen, Prävention und Suchthilfe): Specialist Department for the Promotion of Health, Prevention and Addiction Counselling.

www.jupa-sh.ch - Youth Parliament Schaffhausen (Jugendparlament Schaffhausen): Platform for political participation for young people. SCHOOL

THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN THE COLLABORATION BETWEEN 26 CANTON OF SCHAFFHAUSEN SCHOOL AND PARENTS In Switzerland, the school systems differ from canton to Parents are primarily responsible for bringing up and canton. In the canton of Schaffhausen, the children first educating their children. They are obligated to send their attend kindergarten, which lasts two years. They then children to school and to ensure that they comply with start school. Obligatory schooling usually lasts until com- school attendance, timetable and the school rules. They pletion of secondary level I. Teaching up to and including must also ensure that the children do their homework secondary level 1 is free of charge. School material is and provide the boundary conditions that they need for subject to a fee from secondary level II upwards. this. Collaboration between school and parents is of pivotal OBLIGATORY SCHOOLING importance in Switzerland. Parents are regularly invi- Children attend kindergarten from the age of 4 at the ted by the school to parents’ discussions and parents’ earliest. At the kindergarten, particular importance is at- evenings. Your participation is important so that you can tached to learning that is fun, to social contact and to the accompany your children well through school and so that acquisition of language. Primary school starts from the solutions can be jointly found in the event of problems at age of 6. Primary school usually lasts six years. Children school or impending choice of profession. then transfer to a secondary modern or secondary school (secondary level I). Children with a disability either attend www.sh.ch >Erziehungsdepartement des Kantons Schaffhausen: a special school or are integrated into the normal class. Information on school topics. For specific issues relating to your children’s school, please contact the municipality where you live directly.

OBLIGATORY PRIMARY SCHOOL

Pre-school Primary level Secondary level I Secondary level II Tertiary level

Kindergarten Primary school Secondary school Middle school (cantonal school) University secondary Specialist middle school Federal Institute of Technology modern school vocational apprenticeship University of Applied Sciences vocational “Matura” Higher Technical College (general entrance qualification for university admission)

2 years 6 years 2-3 years 2-4 years 2-6 years SCHOOL

GERMAN AS A SECOND LANGUAGE PRIVATE SCHOOLS (DAZ) & GERMAN INTEGRATION Some private schools in Schaffhausen offer tuition in 27 CLASS alternative school systems. The International School of If your child starts school without any, or only with little, Schaffhausen ISSH teaches according to the Curriculum knowledge of German, the school offers various forms of of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO); the support. The right measure will be taken by the teacher language of tuition is English. The Steiner School offers and the person responsible for German as a second lan- teaching according to the Waldorf concept. The Stadt- guage. Children will primarily be integrated into normal randschule is an all-day school for the 1st to 9th grade. classes and will be given additional tuition in German. Older children normally attend intensive German classes www.issh.ch: International School of Schaffhausen (International in the first year. They will then be integrated into the School of Schaffhausen), all grades from the age of 3 up to the Diploma Years Curriculum. normal class. www.steinerschule-sh.ch/steinerschule: Playgroup from the age of 3; kindergarten up to 10th grade. www.sh.ch/schule >Sonderpädagogik Regelschulbereich >Deutsch als Zweitsprache: Information on initial and further www.atelier-a.ch >Berufsausbildung >Stadtrandschule: All-day development of foreign-language children in normal schools. school for the 1st – 9th year of school.

www.schuleamlindenplatz.ch: day school from the 6th to the TUITION IN THE LANGUAGE AND 9th grade. CULTURE OF THE HOME COUNTRY (HSK) Good knowledge in the first language/native tongue helps foreign-language pupils to acquire other lan- guages. Various consulates and private organisations therefore offer children and young people whose first language is a foreign language courses in the language and culture of their home country. Most courses start in the 2nd grade. The Tamil HSK tuition already starts from the first year at kindergarten. Registration is via the state school (exception: Tamil). The HSK mark is entered in the school report every semester.

www.sh.ch/schule >Unterricht >Fachbereiche >Sprache und Kultur: Information on the HSK tuition and corresponding registration forms. TRAINING & FURTHER EDUCATION

HIGHER-LEVEL SCHOOLS AND Attendance of the cantonal school (grammar school) 28 VOCATIONAL TRAINING – with the qualification “Matura” is the requirement for ad- SECONDARY LEVEL II mission to tertiary education. After obligatory schooling, young people can attend a After three years of general education and a practical higher-level school or complete a vocational apprentice- year, the technical middle school offers the “Fach- ship. The vocational qualification forms a fundamental matura” qualification which entitles the holder to start part of the Swiss education system. studying at a university of applied sciences. The basic vocational education serves to acquire the skills and knowledge that are necessary to carry out a www.berufsbildung-sh.ch - Vocational training department canton profession. Switzerland has the so-called “dual” edu- of Schaffhausen (Abteilung Berufsbildung Kanton-Schaffhausen): Information and advice on initial and further vocational training, cation system. That is the parallel apprenticeship in a assistance in issues relating to apprenticeship companies and company and at a vocational college. Around 70% of all apprenticeship conditions. young people start their vocational career by this means. www.kanti.sh.ch: Information on Schaffhausen cantonal school The requirement for a vocational apprenticeship is an (Kantonsschule Schaffhausen). Schaffhausen cantonal school offers apprenticeship contract with a company. As an accom- the possibility of completing a bilingual (German-English / German- French) “Matura” (general entrance qualification for university panying measure to the apprenticeship or after its com- admission). pletion, it is possible to complete the vocational “Matu- ra”, which is then the general entrance qualification for admission to the universities of applied sciences. FURTHER EDUCATION – A differentiation is made between two basic forms of vo- TERTIÄRY LEVEL cational training: Switzerland has a broad range of study opportunities. 1st certificate of proficiency: the three-to-four-year Higher education after a vocational training or after basic training usually concludes with an apprenticeship grammar school is subject to fees (university, Federal In- completion examination and leads to a certificate of pro- stitute of Technology, teacher training college, university ficiency. The federal certificate of proficiency, together of applied science, higher technical college). with the completion of an extended general education, leads to the vocational “Matura”. 2nd vocational certificate: The two-year basic training usually concludes with an examination and results in the federal vocational certificate. It is designed in such a way that the courses offered take particular account of stu- dents with practical talents. TRAINING & FURTHER EDUCATION

INFORMATION AND CONSULTING BRIDGING FACILITIES ON CHOICE OF PROFESSION AND Those who do not take the direct path to basic vocational 29 FURTHER TRAINING training or a further education establishment after obli- The vocational information centre (BIZ) is available to the gatory schooling, can attend a bridging facility. The voca- population of Schaffhausen for information and consul- tion information centre (BIZ) advises you on the selection tations relating to choice of profession, further career of the right offer. Schaffhausen vocational training centre and further training possibilities. On the homepage and (BBZ) offers different models in the vocation preparation in the vocational information centre at Herrenacker 9, year. For foreign young people who have not attended numerous vocation portraits can be viewed. Advice can obligatory schooling, or only briefly, in Switzerland, there be sought on site; no appointment is required. If there is the JUMA-B course of the Swiss Worker’s Aid (SAH) are further questions, an appointment for a consultation Schaffhausen in Schaffhausen and the subsequent inte- will be agreed. For young people up to the age of 20 gration course of Schaffhausen vocational training cen- and who live in the canton of Schaffhausen, the con- tre (BBZ). The goal of these facilities is to facilitate entry sultations are fundamentally free of charge. The career into basic vocational training in Switzerland. advice service is open to adults. For people who live in the canton of Schaffhausen, the first three consultations www.bbz-sh.ch: Information on the different facilities in the vocation preparation year, specifically for the BBZ integration course of 1 hour each are free of charge. Further consultations for foreign young people. are subject to a fee. www.sah-sh.ch: JUMA-B course of the Swiss Worker’s Aid (SAH) (Schweizerischen Arbeiterhilfswerks SAH) in Schaffhausen and www.biz-sh.ch - Vocational information centre (BIZ) of the numerous education and support offers for social and vocational canton of Schaffhausen (Berufsinformationszentrum (BIZ) des integration. Kantons Schaffhausen): vocational, study and career advice. Information and selection procedure for bridging facilities. HEALTH

MEDICAL CARE MEDICAL & ACCIDENT INSURANCE 30 Most people in Switzerland have a general practitio- When you move to Switzerland from abroad, you must ner who is the first point of contact in issues relating take out medical and accident insurance within 3 their health. Schaffhausen has two hospitals: the public months. If you have moved here from another canton, cantonal hospital and the private Belair Clinic. Referral you must present proof of insurance to the new munici- to hospital is usually done by the GP. In the event of pality where you live within 30 days. The medical insu- emergencies outside of surgery hours, the emergency rance companies are obligated by law to accept you in practice or the A&E department of the cantonal hospital the basic insurance. People in employment are usually are the places to take the patient. insured against accidents. Please make sure that you are not insured twice. The basic insurance covers the costs www.aerzte-schaffhausen.ch - Cantonal Physicians‘ Society of for treatment by doctors on a general ward of the public Schaffhausen (Kantonale Ärztegesellschaft Schaffhausen): among hospitals of the canton of Schaffhausen and Hirslan- others, contact to doctors working in Schaffhausen. denklinik Belair. However, a part of the treatment costs www.hausarztverein.ch - Schaffhausen General Practitioner always have to be paid by the patients themselves (de- Association (Hausarztverein Schaffhausen): contact to GPs active in the region. pending on deductible and excess). The state grants in- sured persons, couples and families in modest economic www.spitaeler-sh.ch: The public health institutions of the circumstances reductions on their premiums. The Social canton have a common platform. On this page, you will find information on the cantonal hospital, on the psychiatry and care Insurance Department of the canton of Schaffhausen centre as well as on paediatric and youth psychiatry. processes the applications for reductions in premiums.

www.hirslanden.ch >Kliniken und Zentren >Klinik Belair - In addition to the basic insurance, any person may take Belair Schaffhausen private clinic (Privatklinik Belair out additional insurances that cover further benefits such Schaffhausen). as a stay in hospital on a private ward.

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES www.bag.admin.ch - Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) (Bundes- In the canton of Schaffhausen, the emergency outpatient amt für Gesundheit (BAG)): Information on health, insurances, etc. service is ensured by doctors working in private practice. www.svash.ch - Schaffhausen Department of Social Insurance (Sozial- During normal surgery hours, please also contact your versicherungsamt Schaffhausen): application forms and information on reduction in premiums and information on social insurances. GP in an emergency. If he or she is not there, you will be told the name and telephone number of the surge- www.praemien.admin.ch: comparison of medical insurance premiums ry on duty. Outside of opening hours, you can contact for the basic insurance. Schaffhausen emergency practice which is located in www.migesplus.ch >Gesundheitswegweiser - Health guide for the accident & emergencies department of Schaffhau- Switzerland: health brochure, published by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) and the Swiss Red Cross on all topics relevant to health, sen cantonal hospital. translated into numerous languages.

Schaffhausen emergency practice: emergency service Tel: 052 634 34 00, opening hours emergency practice: Monday to Friday: 6.00 pm - 10.00 pm and Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 9.00 am - 10.00 pm

Paramedic Tel. 144 HEALTH

DENTAL CARE SUPPORT AND CARE IN With a few exceptions, dental treatment is not included in THE CANTON OF SCHAFFHAUSEN 31 the service catalogue of the obligatory basic insurance. Chronic illnesses or invalidity bring many difficulties in Most dental costs are therefore paid for by the patients everyday life, in addition to the physical problems. Older themselves. Special dental care insurance can be taken people are also confronted with new challenges. As an out for children. alternative to care and support at home, there are vari- In the canton of Schaffhausen, children and young peo- ous residential forms such as retirement and nursing ho- ple are able to use the facilities of the Schulzahn Clinic. mes, retirement complexes, etc. In Schaffhausen, there The Schulzahn Clinic conducts an examination once a are numerous counselling centres such as Pro Senectute year on pre-school children and schoolchildren. The or Pro Infirmis as well as support services of Spitex or the examination is free of charge and obligatory. All other Red Cross that can support you in care and copying with services of the Schulzahn Clinic are subsidised by the everyday life. canton and can thus be offered at favourable conditions. Dental hygiene assistants visit pre-school establish- www.sh.pro-senectute.ch - Pro Senectute Canton of Schaffhausen, ments, primary schools and orientation schools and social advice for older people and support at home. teach children about oral hygiene and the right diet. www.proinfirmis.ch - Pro Infirmis Thurgau-Schaffhausen: Advice and support for people with a disability and their relative, until they reach the age when they are entitled to an old-age and surviving dependents’ (AHV) www.schulzahnklinik.ch - Schulzahn Clinic canton of Schaff- pension (women 64 / men 65). hausen (Schulzahnklinik Kanton Schaffhausen): In addition to examinations and treatments, there is also information on dental www.spitexsh.ch - Hospital Association of the canton of Schaffhausen prophylaxis. (Spitexverband Kanton Schaffhausen): The services of Spitex range from health and nursing care to help at home and meals-on-wheels.

www.roteskreuz-sh.ch: Schaffhausen Red Cross (Rote Kreuz Schaffhausen) offers various services and forms of assistance in the area of health, social matters and integration. The most important services are the transport service, the emergency call system and the Red Cross assistance services.

www.pallnetz.ch: Palliative Care Network Zurich-Schaffhausen.

www.migesplus.ch: leaflets and brochures on various topics relating to the healthcare system, translated into numerous languages. LEISURE & CULTURE

DISCOVERING SCHAFFHAUSEN District and village life 32 The Schaffhausen region invites you to go on diverse Villages and districts organise festivals and events that journeys of discovery. The varied Rhine landscape bet- you can attend or actively help to organise. You would ween Schaffhausen and Stein am Rhein offers an in- do best to ask people you know, relatives, friends and comparable experience of nature. In the summer, half neighbours. In addition, in the districts and in the vil- of Schaffhausen enjoys the cool water of the Rhine in lages, there are places to meet such as playgrounds, one of the many Rhine baths or along the freely acces- swimming pools or district centres, where contact can sible bank landscape. In the interaction of the seasons, be made. If you are interested specifically in the develop- the powerful beauty of the roaring Rhine waterfall is im- ment in your direct vicinity and would like to contribute pressive. A visit in icy winter is absolutely delightful. In something to the co-existence in the district or village, the summer, the natural spectacle is celebrated with a you can become involved in a district or village associ- fireworks display. The sweeping hill landscape and the ation. forests of the Randen and of the Reiat invite visitors to go The municipalities of the canton of Schaffhausen have for hikes, walks and picnics. The well-developed cycling a homepage, normally under their municipality names, network is ideal for cycling tours. that informs you about current events, politics and ad- ministration. In the city of Schaffhausen, the district de- www.schaffhauserland.ch: The Tourist Office of the Schaff- velopment also supports you with concerns and projects hausen Region (Schaffhauserland Tourismus) provides informati- that promote the co-existence, exchange and social net- on about numerous destinations, short hikes and current events. working in the districts of the city of Schaffhausen and www.kss.ch: The KSS Leisure Park (KSS Freizeitpark) offers improve the quality of life. In various districts, it holds diverse sports facilities, from swimming, ice skating and beach volleyball to wellness and fitness. district meetings at which people of every age and origin meet up. www.wanderland.ch: Regional and local hiking proposals with route description and route maps online. www.stadt-schaffhausen.ch >Stadtinfo >Quartiervereine: Diverse range www.rheinfall.ch: Information on events and tours around the of activities and information from the Schaffhausen districts. natural spectacle of the Rhine Waterfall. www.freiwillige.ch: Benevol Schaffhausen (Benevol Schaffhausen), Specialist Department for Volunteer Work places and seeks volunteers for assignments in all areas of life.

RELAXATION AND LEISURE www.jash.ch - District development Schaffhausen (Quartierentwicklung Schaffhausen). Everyday encounters and leisure activities are important for a person’s well-being. They help that person to relax, learn, expand his or her circle of friends, and are bene- Associations and clubs ficial to health. They help to establish roots at the new In the canton and in the municipalities, there are diverse place of residence. associations for women, men, children, young people and older people. For instance, young people’s associ- ations such as pathfinders, natural history and history associations, traffic clubs, chess clubs, women’s asso- ciations, music and cultural associations, political parties LEISURE & CULTURE

and every kind of sports association. In many municipa- www.blauburgunderland.ch: Events relating to wine lities, there are also activities such as parent-child gym- and the wine region of “Blauburgunderland”. Weekly event calendars are published as a supplement to the regional 33 nastics (“ElKi-Turnen”), health gymnastics, gymnastics newspapers. for seniors, choirs and theatre groups. Activities and as- sociations are open to all interested persons. They will be delighted to welcome new members. Please ask about Libraries & toy libraries the various activities at the municipality where you live. Today, libraries offer more than just the lending of books. They offer free access to information and knowledge On your municipality’s homepage, you will find information on for all. The city library on Münsterplatz and the Agne- the local clubs and societies. senschütte library are the public libraries of the city of www.integres.ch: In the canton, there are numerous Schaffhausen. They are directed without restriction at foreigners’ and cultural associations. A corresponding overview everyone, promote free formation of opinions and equal can be found on the homepage of the specialist department for integration, under “associations for foreigners”. opportunities and offer facilities for self-study, meetings and the exchange of ideas. Agnesenschütte library also lends multilingual children’s books and other media for Culture children and young people. The offer consists of media The Schaffhausen region has a diverse and varied cultu- in more than 10 different languages. Membership is free ral offering. Starting with the municipal theatre and the and is open to the entire population from the region. In small theatres in various municipalities to regional theat- the same building as the Agnesenschütte library, there re festivals, you can participate here in an active theatre is also the toy library. Toy libraries lend games and toys. programme. The varied film programme of the cinemas You will also find public libraries in the municipalities of in Schaffhausen and Stein am Rhein is supplemented Hallau, Oberhallau, Neunkirch, Wilchingen, Schleitheim, by small and fine film festivals and the spectacular open Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Stein am Rhein and Thayngen. air at the Munotzinne. The All Saints’ Museum which is known well beyond the region and various galleries invi- www.bibliotheken-schaffhausen.ch: open-access library with te visitors to enjoy exciting exhibitions. Local museums non-fiction and light literature, foreign-language books and a multi- lingual children’s department. Municipal library on the Münsterplatz: such as the Schaffhausen Viticulture Museum in Hallau focus area on older and more modern literature on all fields, reference tell of the regional characteristics, customs and habits. works and large collection of magazines. There is free-of-charge Internet access in the libraries (also WLAN). Music lovers of every genre will get their money’s worth Under the section >Gemeindebibliotheken you will find the library of with the Schaffhausen Jazz Festival, numerous music your municipality with the corresponding opening hours. event venues or local festivals. www.ludo.ch: with directory of other toy libraries in the region, e.g. Thayngen and Stein am Rhein. www.schaffhauserland.ch: The homepage of the Tourist Office of the Schaffhausen Region (Schaffhauserland Tourismus) provides information on gastronomy, sports, culture and other leisure facilities as well as current events.

www.nordagenda.ch/www.ausgang.sh.ch: Online event calendar for the Schaffhausen region. EVERYDAY TASKS

SHOPPING The Schaffhausen region has diverse shopping facilities. www.procity.ch: Information on shopping in the old town of 34 Schaffhausen. Grocery shops, specialist stores, department stores and retail centres offer everything the heart could desire, www.schaffhauserbauer.ch >In der Region: Information and from products for everyday use to fashion and , addresses on direct marketing of Schaffhausen farmers. Information about farm shops and market stalls. furnishings and jewellery. The well-preserved old town centres of Stein am Rhein and Schaffhausen are car-free and invite visitors to take a stroll and do some leisurely ADMINISTRATIVE BODIES, POST shopping. Many municipalities have a store directory on OFFICE AND BANKS their homepage. Information on the old town shopping in Most cantonal departments are to be found in the city of the city of Schaffhausen can be obtained from Pro City. Schaffhausen. The various municipal and cantonal orga- Opening hours nisations have different opening hours. You can obtain The opening hours of the shops vary. Please therefore further information from your municipal administration or enquire particularly at special stores about their opening on the homepage of the canton of Schaffhausen. hours. Many shops are usually open at the following The postal service offers its services in post offices, pos- times: tal agencies or in smaller communities in a home-deli- Monday to Friday: 8.30 am - 6.30 pm very service. The opening hours vary, depending on the Saturday: 8.30 am - 4.00 pm (in some shops until 6 pm) location. The post office with the longest opening hours Grocery shops usually open earlier; some shops close for is the main post office opposite Schaffhausen station: a lunch break, some retail centres are open until 8 pm. Monday - Friday 7.30 am - 6.30 pm, Saturday 8.00 am Every Thursday, there is evening shopping in the city of - 5 pm. Schaffhausen until 8 pm. In the canton of Schaffhausen, various regionally and Prices internationally active banks have one or more branches. The prices of goods are binding and include VAT. Pay- The opening hours vary. The respective bank branch will ment is predominantly in cash, with an EC card or Post- be pleased to provide you with information. card. Many stores accept the usual credit cards. Directly from the farm www.sh.ch: Homepage of the canton with information on the At the colourful weekly market, in the farm shop or at cantonal administration and links to all municipalities. the farmers’ market, you will find fresh produce from the www.post.ch: The brochure “Preise und Angebote der Post” (“Prices region. and services of the post office”) provides you with information about the detailed services of the post office. It is available at all post offices. Schaffhausen weekly market: Tuesday 7.00 am - 11.00 am & Saturday 7.00 am - 12.00 noon Schaffuuser Puuremärkt (Schaffhausen Farmers‘ Mar- ket): Tuesday 8.00 am - 12.00 noon, Friday 9.00 am - 5.30 pm & Saturday 8.00 am - 12.00 noon Neuhuuser Märkt (Neuhausen Market): Friday 3.30 pm - 7.00 pm (winter 6.30 pm) POLITICAL LIFE

DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM At the federal level, the Federal Council forms the Swiss Swiss democracy offers many opportunities for expres- government. It is elected by the parliament. The parlia- 35 sion and participation in public life. With naturalisation, ment in turn is elected by the people and comprises two you obtain all political rights both at natural level and councils – the National Council and the Council of Sta- also for the canton of Schaffhausen and the municipality tes. The canton of Schaffhausen is represented by two where you live. The political rights, also called rights of people each in the National Council and in the Council the people, are very far-reaching: right to vote, right to of States. elect, right of initiative, right of referendum. The people The Federal Court is elected by the parliament. The can- can thus propose an amendment to the constitution (right ton of Schaffhausen and its municipalities have organi- of initiative) or can reject a law developed by the parlia- sed the separation of powers as follows: ment. When the word “sovereign” is used in Switzerland, Legislative it denotes the people. Political rights are exercised at the Canton: the legislative cantonal authority is the cantonal three levels of the state: federal administration, cantons, council. The 60 members represent the different districts and municipalities. and political parties. Elections and referendums Municipalities: The legislative of the city of Schaffhausen The federal, cantonal and municipal and is the Great Municipal Council. In some municipalities executives are elected by the people every four years. In such as Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Stein am Rhein, Be- addition to the elections, the voters are also required to ringen and Thayngen, this function is carried out by the vote on proposals. Incidentally, for decades, the canton residents’ council. In the other municipalities it is the of Schaffhausen has had the highest voting turnout in municipal assembly. Switzerland. This is also because voting is mandatory in Executive the canton of Schaffhausen. People who do not partici- Canton: the cantonal government comprises five govern- pate in a vote pay a “fine” of six francs pursuant to the ment members who each run a department. The presi- Elections Act. dency of the government is taken over every year by a member of the government council. Municipalities: the Separation of powers executive of the city of Schaffhausen is the municipal The state is divided into three areas: parliament (legis- council. Stein am Rhein also has a municipal council; lative), government (executive) and court (judiciary). The in all other municipalities, the executive authority is the legislative issues laws and controls the government and municipal council. the administration. The executive implements the laws, governs and administers the state. The judiciary passes rulings, judges, punishes and protects. For each area, there are separate institutions at the level of the federal government, cantons and municipality. POLITICAL LIFE

Judiciary NATURALISATION 36 The High Court is the highest court in the canton of With naturalisation, a person acquires political rights in Schaffhausen. It is responsible for jurisdiction in all areas Switzerland. People who have resided in Switzerland for of law and the supervisory body over all independent ju- some time can apply for Swiss civic rights. Whether the diciary authorities in the canton. These are, for instance, ordinary, simplified or facilitated naturalisation applies the cantonal court, the debt collection and bankruptcy primarily depends on the length of stay and the reason office, the justice of the peace office, the arbitration cen- for stay in Switzerland. With facilitated naturalisation tre for tenancy matters, the child and adult protection (usually spouses of Swiss nationals), the application is authority and more. submitted directly to the federal administration, otherwi- se, the request is submitted to the municipality of resi- www.sh.ch >Verwaltung >Regierungsrat >Parlament dence in the canton of Schaffhausen. It is expected that >Gerichte: Detailed information on the executive, legislative and persons wanting to be naturalised meet the following judiciary system of the canton. requirements: www.echo-ch.ch: Information on Switzerland explained in an • They are integrated into the municipal, cantonal and easy-to-understand way. Swiss environment; www.ch.ch: Detailed information and news on Switzerland • They are familiar with Swiss lifestyle, customs and traditions; • They comply with the Swiss legal system and do not OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARTICIPA- jeopardise the internal or external security of Swit- TION BY FOREIGNERS IN POLITICS zerland; Although foreigners in the canton of Schaffhausen do not • They have sufficient knowledge of German have the political rights mentioned, there are numerous • They have orderly personal and financial circum- other possibilities of participating in public life and influ- stances. encing the future of the community. A foreigner can be (statements in the civic rights law of the canton of active at any time in a district society, a local association Schaffhausen Art. 6) of a vocational organisation, a sports club or in an ad- visory committee. Like Swiss nationals, a foreigner has a www.sh.ch >Volkswirtschaftsdepartement - Office of Justice right of petition. The right of petition gives each and eve- and Municipalities (Amt für Justiz und Gemeinden): information about naturalisation procedure and all application forms for ry individual the right to submit enquiries, suggestions, obtaining civic rights. criticism or complaints to the authorities at municipal, cantonal or federal level. Decisions made by the state organisations may thus be possibly influenced. ADDRESSES

DIVERSE SWITZERLAND BASIC VALUES Federal Office for Migration (BFM) www.bfm.admin.ch Law book / constitution of the Service of the Federal Administration, canton of Schaffhausen www.rechtsbuch.sh.ch 37 Cantons and Municipalities www.ch.ch Swiss federal constitution www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/1/101.de.pdf Swissworld www.swissworld.ch Counselling centre for asylum & foreigners law www.sah-sh.ch Protection against discrimination www.integres.ch SCHAFFHAUSEN REGION Federal specialist department for the All Saints‘ Museum www.allerheiligen.ch combating of racism (FRB) www.edi.admin.ch/frb Canton of Schaffhausen www.sh.ch Federal Office for the equality Bargen www.bargen.ch of men and women (EBG) www.gleichstellung-schweiz.ch Beggingen www.beggingen.ch Specialist department for people Beringen www.beringen.ch affected by violence, Schaffhausen www.fsgb-sh.ch Buch www.buch-sh.ch Cantonal secretariat of labour, Schaffhausen www.kas.ch Buchberg www.buchberg.ch “Nutzwerk“, the women’s centre Schaffhausen www.nutzwerk.ch Büttenhardt www.buettenhardt.ch Sans-Papiers ww.sans-papiers.ch Dörflingen www.doerflingen.ch Forced marriage - counselling centre, counselling Gaechlingen www.gaechlingen.ch and accompaniment of people affected www.zwangsheirat.ch Hallau www.hallau.ch Hemishofen www.hemishofen.ch ARRIVAL & STAY Lohn www.lohn.ch Labour office canton of Schaffhausen www.sh.ch Löhningen www.loehningen.ch Federal Office of Migration (FOM) www.bfm.admin.ch Merishausen www.merishausen.ch Office of migration canton of Schaffhausen www.sh.ch Neuhausen am Rheinfall www.neuhausen.ch Neunkirch www.neunkirch.ch COMMUNICATION & INTEGRATION Oberhallau www.oberhallau.ch Derman specialist department, SAH Schaffhausen www.sah-sh.ch Ramsen www.ramsen.ch Integres - Specialist department of integration Rüdlingen www.ruedlingen.ch for the Schaffhausen region www.integres.ch Schaffhausen www.stadt-schaffhausen.ch National telephone interpreter service http://0842-442-442.ch Schleitheim www.schleitheim.ch Heimatblatt www.augustin.ch Siblingen www.siblingen.ch Klettgauerzeitung & Schaffhauserland www.klettgauerzeitung.ch Stein am Rhein www.steinamrhein.ch Lappi tue D‘Auge uf, Schaffhauser Schurnalismus www.lappi.ch Stetten www.stetten.ch Neuhauser Woche www.neuhauserwoche.ch Thayngen www.thayngen.ch Radio Munot www.radiomunot.ch Trasadingen www.trasadingen.ch Radio Rasa www.rasa.ch Wilchingen www.wilchingen.ch Radio Top www.toponline.ch Regional info Schaffhausen www.schaffhausen.ch Schaffhauser AZ www.schaffhauseraz.ch Schaffhauser Bock www.bockonline.ch Schaffhausen television www.shf.ch Schaffhauser Landzeitung www.stammco.ch Schaffhausen news www.shn.ch Schaffhausen postal services www.schaffhauserpost.ch Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen SRF www.srf.ch Tele D www.tele-d.ch Tele Top www.teletop.ch ADDRESSES

LIVING SOCIAL SECURITY Debt Collection & Bankruptcy Department Federal Office of Migration (BFM) www.bfm.admin.ch 38 Canton of Schaffhausen www.schkg.sh.ch Pro Infirmis Thurgau-Schaffhausen www.proinfirmis.ch Federal Office of the Environment (BAFU) www.bafu.admin.ch Pro Senectute canton of Schaffhausen www.sh.pro-senectute.ch Federal Housing Office (BWO) www.bwo.admin.ch Department of Social Insurance Schaffhausen www.svash.ch Homeowners‘ Association Switzerland www.hev-schweiz.ch Homeowners‘ Association Schaffhausen Region www.hev-sh.ch TAXES Home Association www.hausverein.ch Cantonal tax administration Schaffhausen www.steuern.sh.ch Intercantonal Laboratories www.interkantlab.ch Business Development Agency Coordination Centre for Environmental Protection www.sh.ch canton of Schaffhausen www.economy.sh Tenants‘ Association Canton of Schaffhausen www.mieterverband.ch/sh MARRIAGE, FAMILY & CHILDREN Radio and television reception fees www.billag.ch Point of contact and coordination in the field of Regional information www.einkleinesparadies.ch youth assistance canton of Schaffhausen www.sh.ch Counselling centre for partnership and pregnancy MOBILITY www.partnerschaft-schwangerschaft-sh.ch Federal Customs Administration (EZV) www.ezv.admin.ch Federal Office of Justice (BJ) www.bj.admin.ch Pedestrian Traffic Switzerland www.fussverkehr.ch Federal programme to Network for Slow Traffic www.schweizmobil.ch combat forced marriage www.gegen-zwangsheirat.ch Pro Velo Schaffhausen www.provelo-sh.ch Specialist & coordination centre for The way to school educates www.schulweg-bildet.ch playgroups in Schaffhausen www.spielgruppen-sh.ch Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) www.sbb.ch Specialist department for people Swiss specialist department for affected by violence, Schaffhausen www.fsgb-sh.ch barrier-free public transport www.boev.ch Specialist department for curative education Swiss shipping company Untersee and Rhine www.urh.ch and speech therapy in the early years www.hlf-fruehbereich.ch Slow Up www.slowup.ch Teddy Bear specialist department - Psychological Road transport and shipping department www.sh.ch counselling centre for parents and child www.teddybär-sh.ch Schaffhausen Tariff Association www.flextax.ch Schaffhausen birthing centre www.geburtshaus-sh.ch Touring-Club Switzerland (TCS) www.tcs.ch Integres, specialist department of Cycling courses Schaffhausen www.velofahrkurse-sh.ch integration for the Schaffhausen region www.integres.ch Schaffhausen transport services & SchaffhausenBus www.vbsh.ch Interest group for binational couples www.ig-binational.ch Verkehrsclub Schweiz (VCS) www.verkehrsclub.ch Youth work of the city of Schaffhausen www.jash.ch Youth counselling of the city of Schaffhausen www.jash.ch WORK Youth commission of the canton of Schaffhausen www.juko-sh.ch Cantonal secretariat of labour in Schaffhausen www.kas.ch Youth parliament of Schaffhausen www.jupa-sh.ch Labour office canton of Schaffhausen www.sh.ch Psychiatric service for children & Labour inspectorate canton of Schaffhausen www.sh.ch young people (KJPD) www.spitaeler-sh.ch Federal Office of Migration (BFM) www.bfm.admin.ch Paediatricians of the Federal Social Insurance Office (BSV) www.bsv.admin.ch canton of Schaffhausen www.doktor.ch/kinderaerzte Regional Employment Placement Office Childcare of the city Schaffhausen www.rav-sh.ch of Schaffhausen www.kinderbetreuung.stsh.ch Rectors‘ Conference of the Swiss Universities www.crus.ch Coordination parental education of the canton of Schaffhausen Swiss Conference of Cantonal Directors Tel. 052 625 91 79 Email [email protected] of Education (EDK) www.edk.ch Lesbian organisation Switzerland www.los.ch State Secretariat for Education, Research Mothers‘ & fathers‘ counselling Schaffhausen www.spitex-sh.ch and Innovation (SBFI) www.sbfi.admin.ch Midwives platform www.hebammensuche.ch State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) www.seco.admin.ch Pro Juventute Schaffhausen region www.projuventute-sh.ch Meeting place work www.treffpunkt-arbeit.ch Rotes Kreuz Schaffhausen www.roteskreuz-sh.ch Association meeting place for the unemployed School evaluation & counselling (SAB) www.sh.ch in Schaffhausen office (VETS) www.schreibstube-sh.ch Swiss gays and lesbians organisation www.pinkcross.ch AdDresses

Association for youth issues, LEISURE & CULTURE prevention & addiction assistance www.vjps.ch Going out - Events in Schaffhausen www.ausgang.sh Placement & coordination centre early learning Foreigners’ associations in the 39 Tel. 052 632 71 67 / Email [email protected] Schaffhausen region www.integres.ch Registry office of the Benevol Schaffhausen www.freiwillige.ch city of Schaffhausen www.stadt-schaffhausen.ch Libraries www.bibliotheken-schaffhausen.ch Zweidihei, Association for childcare www.zweidihei.ch KSS Leisure Park Schaffhausen www.kss.ch Emergency number for parents www.elternnotruf.ch Toy libraries in Switzerland www.ludo.ch Tel. 0848 35 45 55 Nordagenda - Events in Schaffhausen www.nordagenda.ch District development city of Schaffhausen www.jash.ch SCHOOL District associations city of Department of Education Canton of Schaffhausen www.sh.ch Schaffhausen - city info www.stadt-schaffhausen.ch International School of Schaffhausen ISSH www.issh.ch Rhine Waterfall www.rheinfall.ch Rudolf Steiner School Schaffhausen www.steinerschule-sh.ch Schaffhausen wine www.blauburgunderland.ch School “am Lindenplatz“ www.schuleamlindenplatz.ch Tourist Office of the Stadtrandschule Schaffhausen www.atelier-a.ch Schaffhausen region www.schaffhauserland.ch Switzerland mobile - Hiking country www.wanderland.ch TRAINING & FURTHER EDUCATION Department of Vocational Training EVERYDAY TASKS Canton of Schaffhausen www.berufsbildung-sh.ch Post office in Switzerland www.post.ch Vocational Training Centre Pro City city of Schaffhausen www.procity.ch Canton of Schaffhausen www.bbz-sh.ch Schaffhausen farmers www.schaffhauserbauer.ch Vocational Information Centre Canton of Schaffhausen BIZ www.biz-sh.ch POLITICAL LIFE JUMA-B course SAH Schaffhausen www.sah-sh.ch Office of Justice and Municipalities www.sh.ch Cantonal school in Schaffhausen www.kanti.sh.ch Service of the Federal Administration, cantons and municipalities www.ch.ch HEALTH ECHO - Information on Switzerland www.echo-ch.ch Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) www.bag.admin.ch General Practitioners’ Association Schaffhausen www.hausarztverein.ch Cantonal Physicians‘ Society Schaffhausen www.aerzte-schaffhausen.ch Comparison of medical insurance companies www.praemien.admin.ch Migesplus - Red Cross Switzerland, Publications for migrants www.migesplus.ch WHAT NUMBER DO I CALL Palliative Care Network Zurich-Schaffhausen www.pallnetz.ch Belair Private Clinic Schaffhausen www.hirslanden.ch IN AN EMERGENCY? Pro Infirmis Thurgau-Schaffhausen www.proinfirmis.ch Ambulance / Paramedic 144 Pro Senectute canton of Schaffhausen www.sh.pro-senectute.ch Red Cross Schaffhausen www.roteskreuz-sh.ch Police 117 Schulzahn Clinic Schaffhausen www.schulzahnklinik.ch Fire brigade 118 Department of Social Insurance Toxicological Centre 145 Canton of Schaffhausen www.svash.ch Schaffhausen hospitals www.spitaeler-sh.ch Swiss Air-Ambulance (Rega) 1414 Spitex Association Canton of Schaffhausen www.spitex-sh.ch 40