S protection status for Ukrainians who sought refuge in Switzerland because of the Russia-Ukraine war has been extended until March 4, 2028. The Swiss government decided to extend the duration of the status, which serves as a special residence permit.
The Federal Council said there were no signs that conditions in Ukraine would stabilize in the long term. It stated that S status provides effective protection for people arriving from Ukraine and reduces the burden on the asylum system, making it the most suitable solution at this stage.
Support will continue until March 4, 2028
The decision will provide predictability for the next 18 months for S status holders, as well as cantons, municipalities and employers. Support measures for status holders will also remain in force until March 4, 2028.
The Federal Council will reassess developments and review its position on S status if long-term conditions in Ukraine improve.
Alignment with European Union regulations
Switzerland will continue close cooperation with the European Union on S status. On July 30, EU member states decided to extend temporary protection until March 4, 2028.
In the European Union, eligibility for temporary protection has been limited since July 31 to people who fulfill the military service obligations applicable in Ukraine. Switzerland is not legally bound by this decision, but the Federal Council considered it in the country's interest to align the implementation with EU regulations.
Under the new regulation, S protection status will be granted only to people who can fulfill their military service obligations exclusively on Ukrainian territory. The rule will apply to applications submitted after August 20. People who previously received S status will not be affected by the change.
Background of S protection status
On March 11, 2022, the Swiss government approved granting S status to people who had left Ukraine because of the war and sought protection in Switzerland.
In Switzerland, S status was created in 1999 to facilitate the admission of civilians seeking refuge in the country during the Balkan wars of 1991–2001. The status was later applied exclusively to Ukrainians.
