0.192.122.818.121

Exchange of letters of 23 June 2009

Between the Swiss Confederation and GAVI Alliance (Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization) on the status of Swiss social insurance staff members in Switzerland (AVS/AI/APG and AC)

Entered into force on 23 June 2009

(State on 23 June 2009)

Original text

Executive Director of GAVI Alliance (Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization)	Geneva, 23 June 2009
Geneva
	Ambassador Paul Seger
	Director, Law Branch
	Public international
	Federal Department
	Foreign Affairs
	Bern

Mr. Director,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 23 June 2009, which reads as follows:

" Referring to art. 26, para. 2, let. C, of the Federal Act of 22 June 2007 on privileges, immunities and facilities, as well as on financial aid granted by Switzerland as a host State ¹ Authorising the Federal Council to conclude international agreements on the status of staff members of Swiss nationality of the institutional beneficiaries referred to in Art. 2, para. 1, LEH in Swiss social insurance (AVS/AI/APG and AC), I have the honour to inform you of the following:

On behalf of the Swiss Federal Council, I have the honour to propose that as of the entry into force of the Agreement of 23 June 2009 between the Swiss Federal Council and GAVI Alliance (Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization) to determine the Legal status of GAVI Alliance in Switzerland ² , the Swiss civil servants of GAVI Alliance are no longer regarded by the host State as being compulsorily insured by the old-age and survivors' insurance (AVS), the invalidity insurance (DI), the allowance for loss of Gain (APG) and Unemployment Insurance (UI), as long as they are affiliated with a GAVI Alliance contingency plan. If they perform their duties in Switzerland, they will be able to join, on a voluntary basis, either at the AVS/AI/APG/AC or at HQ alone. To do so, they must file their application with the compensation fund of the canton of their home within a period of three months from their affiliation to a system of foresight provided for by GAVI Alliance or within three months Upon signature of the Exchange of Letters.

In addition, I have the honour to propose that the spouses, Swiss or foreign, of international civil servants of Swiss nationality of GAVI Alliance, who are domiciled in Switzerland, are no longer compulsorily insured in the AVS/AI/APG, when they Do not engage in a gainful occupation at the time of the international civil servant's affiliation with the system of foresight provided for by GAVI Alliance or when they subsequently cease their lucrative business. They will be able to join the AVS/AI/APG on a voluntary basis. To do so, they must file their application with the compensation fund of the canton of their domicile within three months of the international civil servant's affiliation to a system of foresight provided for by GAVI Alliance, or Within three months of the termination of their gainful occupation. The regulations described above also apply to spouses-who do not enjoy privileges and immunities-of foreign international civil servants who are exempt from Swiss social security under s. 1 A , para. 2, let. A, LAVS ³ .

Insured persons may, at any time, terminate all insurance coverage they have chosen for the end of the current month. The AVS/AI/APG/AC insured may, however, terminate only the AVS/AI/APG and maintain their affiliation with the CA. The termination is valid for the duration of the international civil servant's commitment to the GAVI Alliance. Subject to the specific conditions set out in this letter, the provisions of the AVS/AI/APG/AC shall apply to them. Those insured persons who fail to meet their obligations within the prescribed time limit will be excluded after warning.

GAVI Alliance provides the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs with the list of officials of Swiss nationality affiliated with a foresight system provided for by GAVI Alliance at the time of entry into force of the Headquarters Agreement and will notify in writing Each admission or exit of a Swiss official to the audit or the said system.

I would be grateful if you would let me know if the above meets your approval. If yes, this letter and your reply will constitute an agreement by way of exchange of letters. It will enter into force on the day of its signature. It may be terminated by either party on the first day of a calendar year, subject to twelve months' written notice. '

On behalf of GAVI Alliance, I accept the provisions contained in your letter. As a result, your letter and mine constitute an agreement by way of exchange of letters which has entered into force today. It may be terminated by either party on the first day of a calendar year, subject to twelve months' written notice.

Please accept, Mr. Director, the assurance of my high regard.

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RO 2009 4579