Switzerland limited S status for Ukrainians from seven regions: who will lose protection

Switzerland has changed the rules for Ukrainians seeking protection in the country. From now on, not all Ukrainians will be automatically granted S protection status. This applies to residents of seven regions of Ukraine considered 'safe for return': Volyn, Rivne, Lviv, Ternopil, Zakarpattia, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Chernivtsi.

The new rules will only apply to those arriving in Switzerland after November 1. However, refugees with S status and people with special needs will retain the right to reside and move freely in the country.

S status allows Ukrainians to work and live in Switzerland as well as receive social support. However, according to migration services estimates, these restrictions will only affect a small number of people, as only a little over 10% of the current refugees in the country come from regions considered safe.

From now on, the Secretariat for Migration of Switzerland will review applications from Ukrainians on an individual basis, and those who are denied because of their region of origin may be deported if return is possible from legal and factual points of view.

Switzerland is ready to provide temporary support or alternatives in the EU

The Federal Council acknowledges that medium-term stabilization in Ukraine is currently not possible. Therefore, those for whom return is risky or complicated may be offered temporary support or advised to seek asylum in EU countries.

It is also worth mentioning that a wave of aggression against Ukrainians has emerged in Poland.

Switzerland has introduced new rules for Ukrainians seeking protection in the country. Now, not all Ukrainians will automatically be granted S protection status, particularly those arriving from certain regions of Ukraine deemed safe for return. These changes will only apply to newcomers after November 1. Refugees with S status and individuals with special needs will be allowed to remain in the country under previous conditions. For those denied status due to region of origin, deportation may be possible. Switzerland is also ready to provide temporary support or advise seeking asylum in EU countries for those for whom return to Ukraine will be difficult or dangerous.