[2] The primary objectives of the FNIA are to provide a clear legal framework for the admission, residence, and integration of foreign nationals in Switzerland.
To this end, the law requires foreign nationals to demonstrate a certain level of knowledge of the Swiss language,[3] culture, and values before obtaining long-term residency permits.
The FNIA also encourages the participation of foreign nationals in the labor market and supports measures to combat discrimination and promote diversity in Swiss society.
The FNIA was first introduced in 2002 as a draft law by the Federal Council in response to growing public concerns about immigration and integration in Switzerland.
criticize the law's focus on language and culture as overly prescriptive and argue that it fails to address the structural barriers to integration that exist in Swiss society.