Bern, 4 September 2024
The situation in Ukraine is not expected to change in the foreseeable future. The Federal Council therefore decided at its meeting on 4 September not to lift the protection status S for Ukrainian refugees before 4 March 2026 and to extend the support measures for this group of people (Programme S) until then.
As a result of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the Federal Council decided to grant Ukrainian refugees protection status S from 12 March 2022. This provides temporary protection to those in need as long as they are exposed to serious general danger. As of the end of August, around 66,000 Ukrainians had protection status S in Switzerland.
Protection status S is valid until it is lifted by the Federal Council. A condition of its lifting is lasting stability in Ukraine so that the population is no longer exposed to serious general danger. The latest developments show that this is not the case at present as acts of war continue across the country.
Clarity for those concerned
The Federal Council has therefore decided not to lift protection status S until 4 March 2026 unless the situation changes fundamentally before then. This decision provides clarity not only for (the) Ukrainian refugees, but also for the cantons, the communes and employers for the next 18 months. In view of Switzerland’s Schengen association, the Federal Council considers it vital to coordinate closely with the EU, which decided on 13 June to extend temporary protection to Ukrainian refugees until 4 March 2026.
Labour market integration measures to be extended
The Federal Council sees a further need for action in the area of labour market integration. The specific support measures for people with protection status S (Programme S), which were first adopted on 13 April 2022, will also be extended until 4 March 2026. The Confederation contributes CHF 3,000 per person per year to the integration efforts of the cantons, in particular to improve language skills and facilitate access to the labour market and education.
In order to support the cantons in achieving the target employment rate of 40 per cent by the end of the year, the Federal Council decided on additional measures in May. These include improving communication and cooperation between the various stakeholders, supporting projects to assist with the recognition of qualifications and diplomas, and optimising job placement through the regional employment centres (RAVs). The Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) will submit a proposal to the Federal Council by autumn on what action to take.
Promoting labour market integration serves not only to reduce social welfare costs. Through integration measures, education and gainful employment, Ukrainian refugees can and should also be able to take part in social life and maintain and develop their skills with a view to returning home in the future.
Significantly more refusals
As part of the protection status S procedure, persons seeking protection must prove both their identity and their place of residence on or after 24 February 2022. Each application is carefully examined. If there is evidence that the person has never lived in Ukraine or has received protection in another country, their application is rejected or their protection status revoked retroactively. Since the activation of protection status S, around 2,500 applications have been rejected, and in just over 100 cases protection has been subsequently revoked. In addition, protection status S has been terminated in over 26,000 cases.
In view of the ongoing war, the Federal Council, in coordination with the EU member states, is prepared to grant protection to those seeking refuge until a safe return to Ukraine is possible. It recognises and appreciates the continuing support of the cantons and communes as well as the commitment of civil society.
Source – Swiss Federal Council