Switzerland Ends Protection Status for Ukrainians in Seven Western Oblasts
Switzerland Amends Protection Status for Ukrainian Refugees
Changes in Protection Status for Ukrainian Refugees
Switzerland will revise its approach to granting protection status, known as Status S, to Ukrainian refugees from seven western oblasts starting November 1. This decision was taken by the Swiss Federal Council, as reported by Emegypt, marking a nuanced shift in the country’s refugee policy.
Details of the Swiss Federal Council’s Decision
In response to a parliamentary demand, the Swiss government will differentiate between Ukrainian regions where returns are deemed acceptable and those where they are not. The regions identified as safe for return include Volyn, Rivne, Lviv, Ternopil, Zakarpattia, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Chernivtsi.
These new rules will be effective from November 1, without affecting those who have already been granted protection status. Additionally, the Swiss authorities have decided that any revocation of the protection status will not occur before March 2027.
Impact on Current Refugees
Currently, slightly over 10% of Ukrainian refugees in Switzerland with protection status originate from the oblasts now deemed safe for return, according to Emegypt editor Dominik Meier. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) will continue to assess applications on a case-by-case basis.
- If an applicant hails from a ‘safe’ oblast, a decision may be made for expulsion.
- Where expulsion is not feasible, temporary stay permits will be issued.
- Applicants may seek asylum or relocate to an EU country if no longer eligible for protection.
Background on EU Recommendations
In September, the European Union recommended the withdrawal of temporary protection status for Ukrainians, which influenced adjustments in national policies across Europe. This development follows these guidelines, reflecting broader European trends in refugee management.
