Switzerland Extends Protection Status for Ukrainian Refugees
Date: 2023-11-01 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: DIASPORA
Switzerland's Federal Council has made a significant decision to provide Ukrainian refugees with the Status S protection, which will remain in effect until March 4, 2025. The Federal Council's decision reflects the ongoing instability in Ukraine, which is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future. This move not only brings relief to Ukrainian refugees but also offers clarity to Swiss cantons, communities, and employers.
Switzerland, being a member of the Schengen Area, emphasizes the importance of close coordination with the European Union. On October 19, the EU decided to extend temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until March 4, 2025. The Federal Council's decision aligns with this European initiative.
The Status S protection was first granted to Ukrainian refugees in Switzerland starting from March 12, 2022. This protection is awarded as long as individuals face a serious and ongoing general danger in their home country. As of the end of October 2023, approximately 66,000 Ukrainians in Switzerland have been granted Status S protection.
Normally, the Status S protection, which allows individuals to travel abroad and work in Switzerland, is limited to one year but can be extended by the Federal Council's decision. The cancellation of this status is contingent upon the conditions of sustained stability in the refugees' home country to ensure their population's safety.
The Swiss government also plans to intensify efforts to integrate a larger number of Ukrainian refugees into the labor market. The Federal Council aims to increase employment rates from the current 20% to 40% by the end of 2024.
In a separate initiative, Switzerland approved a 100 million Swiss Francs (approximately 109 million US dollars) package on September 29 to support demining efforts in civil and agricultural areas in Ukraine and aid in the country's recovery. This assistance is allocated for the period from 2024 to 2027.
Switzerland, being a member of the Schengen Area, emphasizes the importance of close coordination with the European Union. On October 19, the EU decided to extend temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until March 4, 2025. The Federal Council's decision aligns with this European initiative.
The Status S protection was first granted to Ukrainian refugees in Switzerland starting from March 12, 2022. This protection is awarded as long as individuals face a serious and ongoing general danger in their home country. As of the end of October 2023, approximately 66,000 Ukrainians in Switzerland have been granted Status S protection.
Normally, the Status S protection, which allows individuals to travel abroad and work in Switzerland, is limited to one year but can be extended by the Federal Council's decision. The cancellation of this status is contingent upon the conditions of sustained stability in the refugees' home country to ensure their population's safety.
The Swiss government also plans to intensify efforts to integrate a larger number of Ukrainian refugees into the labor market. The Federal Council aims to increase employment rates from the current 20% to 40% by the end of 2024.
In a separate initiative, Switzerland approved a 100 million Swiss Francs (approximately 109 million US dollars) package on September 29 to support demining efforts in civil and agricultural areas in Ukraine and aid in the country's recovery. This assistance is allocated for the period from 2024 to 2027.
