As a non-european citizen, how can I get visa / work permit for Switzerland?

Yes, the recruitment agencies told the truth to you. As a non-European (that is from third states), then it is very difficult to get a work permit/visa for Switzerland.First you have to get an employment, that to with an employer who will agree to go through all the hassle as described below.Once you have secured employment, your employer will submit an application to the local cantonal employment service, who will review and then refer the application on to the Federal Office for Migration (FOM) for approval. When considering your application, the FOM will take factors such as language skills, age and ability to integrate into account but authorisation will usually only be granted if: you are a manager, specialist or an otherwise qualified worker, that is, you hold a university degree, have specific expertise and several years of professional experience; the established quotas allow it; there is no Swiss or EU/EFTA (European Free Trade Association) person nor a third state national already in the country suitable for the position. You also make an application for work permit, and different documents needs to be provided based on the canton. Also, apply for a visa at the Swiss embassy.The FOM will write to you, your employer and the canton with their decision and if the work permit has been granted, the cantonal office will inform the Swiss embassy or consulate to issue your visa. When you arrive in Switzerland, you then have 14 days to register with the Residents’ Registry Office and get your residence permit. Once you have this, you can start work.

for a workpermit you need a work and for the work you need an employer who is in a position to sponsor you a visa. find one and you are game.there are some sites like http://www.jobsog.com which are very famous in finding international jobs.