Switzerland will tighten the requirements for Ukrainians to obtain temporary protective status
Since the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Switzerland has provided shelter to thousands of Ukrainians who were forced to leave their homes. To ensure their safety and social support, the country’s government introduced a special temporary protection status S, which guaranteed access to housing, health care, education and employment. This status was supposed to be an example of Switzerland’s solidarity with the Ukrainian people during the war. However, with the passage of time, the attitude towards refugees in the country’s society and parliament has undergone changes. In December 2024, a decision was made to increase Ukrainians’ access to this status.
Parliament’s decision to strengthen requirements
On December 2, 2024, the Swiss parliament adopted legislative changes that make it more difficult for Ukrainians to obtain temporary protective status S, i.e., for stricter access to special temporary protective status.
The lower house of the parliament supported the initiative with 96 votes “for” and 87 “against”, which was the result of a similar vote in the upper house that took place earlier. These changes were initiated by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP), the country’s largest political force. It is reported “Voice of America”.
The innovations provide that S status will be granted only to those Ukrainians fleeing regions occupied by Russia or those directly affected by hostilities. Such a decision is aimed at reducing the number of new applications and strengthening control over the status granting process.
Fight against abuses
The second initiative, which received the support of the overwhelming majority (120 votes “for” and 60 “against”), is aimed at combating abuses in the system of providing temporary protection. The government emphasizes that it is necessary to ensure the targeted use of the resource and to avoid illegal receipt of aid. Despite criticism from human rights activists, this initiative was supported by a large number of deputies.
S status history
Special protection status S was introduced in Switzerland at the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine in 2022. It is an analogue of temporary protection, which is provided in the countries of the European Union, and provides the right to residence, access to the labor market and social services without the need to go through lengthy asylum procedures. As of August 2024, about 66,000 Ukrainians had this status in Switzerland.
The Swiss government has previously stated that the S status will not be revoked as long as the threat to the civilian population remains in Ukraine. It was assumed that the status will last at least until March 2026, provided that there are no significant changes towards stability in Ukraine.
The reaction of society and the international community
The new measures caused mixed reactions. Part of Swiss society supports the strengthening of requirements, arguing that it is necessary to protect national interests and control immigration. At the same time, human rights organizations and some politicians express concern that such restrictions could endanger the lives of those fleeing war. They remind that the situation in Ukraine remains unstable, and residents of many regions are still suffering from the consequences of military operations.
Support of Ukraine from Switzerland
Despite the change in refugee policy, Switzerland continues to provide significant financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. For example, in 2024, the allocation of 58.7 million Swiss francs was announced for the digitalization of public administration and the development of Ukraine’s regions. This testifies to the country’s desire to remain an active international partner in supporting Ukraine.
The Swiss parliament’s decision to increase access to temporary protective status for Ukrainians is evidence of changes in public sentiment and the country’s political course. It is controversial because, on the one hand, it seeks to limit the burden on the state, and on the other, it risks weakening the support of the people who need help the most. The issue of ensuring a balance between national interests and humanitarian responsibility remains relevant in the context of the long-term conflict in Ukraine.
