The Swiss government has decided not to cancel the special status for Ukrainian refugees because the security situation in Ukraine has not yet stabilized.
In 2025, the Swiss government expanded the “Status S” protection program for Ukrainians, which it had initiated since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This was reported by the Swiss Federal Council.
The statement stated that the situation in Ukraine is not expected to stabilize in the near future, so the “S” protection status for people fleeing war will not be canceled until March 4, 2025. In particular, as of the end of October 2023, approximately 66 thousand Ukrainians had active S status in Switzerland.
The message said, “The prerequisite for the cancellation of the status is the sustainable stabilization of the situation in Ukraine. This means that there is no longer a serious common threat. Recent events show that such stability is not yet on the horizon.”
The Federal Council also announced that this decision concerns not only Ukrainian refugees but also cantons, municipalities and employers.
Additionally, Switzerland has set a new target and plans to attract as many refugees as possible into the labor market. By the end of this year, the Swiss government plans to employ approximately 40% of Ukrainian refugees with “S” status by the end of 2024.
Cantons will be subject to stricter conditions, especially regarding the use of government contributions for language support.
“From now on, the Swiss Federal Council must provide language support to all those seeking protection in Ukraine and determine the potential and need for support in each specific case,” the Swiss Federal Council said in a statement. said.
Protection status in Switzerland
Following the start of Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, Switzerland began granting “S” protection status to Ukrainians fleeing the war.
This status allows obtaining an “S” category certificate, which is valid for one year, but with the possibility of extension. Ukrainians in need of protection can obtain a “B” category residence permit within five years. Its effect ends with the cancellation of temporary protection status.
This protected status also allows you to leave Switzerland and return without obtaining a travel permit.
Ukrainians who have already entered Switzerland can apply for protected status through the “RegisterMe” web portal. Registration is then carried out at the Federal Refugee Center, where each application is checked individually.
It is worth noting that there is no quota for “S” protection status, but people with this status can access medical care and find employment.
Let us recall that in September the Ukrainian Migration Service asked the governments of other states not to integrate refugees from Ukraine. In particular, there are nearly 8 million refugees abroad, and some of them may not want to return to their home countries.
Focus also previously wrote that some Ukrainians abroad would face changes. Thus, Ukrainians in Prague will lose the right to discounted travel on public transport.
Source: Focus
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