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The Swiss government has decided to extend temporary protection (Status S) for Ukrainians who fled the war until March 4, 2027, while at the same time tightening the criteria for obtaining it.
According to a press release from the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP), the decision was made by the Federal Council during its meeting on October 8.
“The situation in Ukraine remains unstable, and lasting stabilization is not expected for the time being. Therefore, Status S for people seeking protection from Ukraine will not be lifted until March 4, 2027,” the statement reads.
The government also extended the support measures for persons under Status S (the “Program S”) until the same date.
Stricter eligibility criteria
At the same time, the Federal Council decided that Status S will only be granted to persons whose last place of residence was in occupied territories or active combat zones in Ukraine.
Under the new framework, Swiss authorities will distinguish between regions where return is considered “acceptable” and those where it is “unacceptable.”
Currently, return is deemed acceptable to the following western regions: Volyn, Rivne, Lviv, Ternopil, Zakarpattia, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Chernivtsi oblasts.
The statement notes: “Despite international efforts to establish peace, no lasting improvement in the situation across Ukraine is expected that would ensure a safe return.”
These new rules will not apply to people who already hold Status S in Switzerland or to family members of those who do, even if they are still in Ukraine.
Because security conditions continue to evolve, the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) will regularly review and update the list of “safe” regions.
Individual review and deportation procedure
Each application for Status S will continue to be assessed individually.
If a person is found to come from a region where return is considered safe, the application will be rejected, and a deportation order will be issued.
However, if deportation is not feasible or acceptable in a specific case, the individual will be temporarily allowed to stay in Switzerland.
Those who do not qualify for Status S may still apply for asylum through standard procedures.
Changes effective November 1
The new regulations take effect on November 1, 2025, and apply to all applications reviewed after that date, even if they were submitted earlier.
From the same date, individuals with Status S will be allowed to spend 15 days in Ukraine per half-year, instead of the current 15 days per quarter.
Continued support and integration
Alongside the extension, the Federal Council also decided to continue funding integration measures for holders of Status S until March 2027.
Under the “Program S,” the federal government will contribute 3,000 Swiss francs per person per year to the cantons to support language courses, access to education, and employment programs.
Background
After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the European Union activated the Temporary Protection Directive, granting Ukrainians the right to reside legally, work, and access education and healthcare across the EU.
In June 2025, the EU Council of Justice and Home Affairs Ministers also extended this protection until March 4, 2027, in line with Switzerland’s new decision.
