Switzerland extends protection for Ukrainians with new restrictions

Switzerland’s Federal Council will extend temporary protection status S for people who fled Ukraine until March 2028, while introducing restrictions aligned with European Union practice, Swiss public broadcaster SRF reported on Wednesday.

The council said continuing the status was the best solution because a ceasefire with Russia was not in sight in either the short or medium term. Around 46,000 Ukrainians who fled the war are currently living in Switzerland.

Under the new rules, Switzerland will not grant protection to people refusing military service in Ukraine. Applications from Ukrainians liable for military service will be considered only if they have fulfilled their military obligations in Ukraine.

Sasha Volkow, a board member of a Ukrainian association in Switzerland, described the decision as problematic because Ukraine urgently needs soldiers, while young people also need protection. He called it a bad decision but the best option still available. “Most people in Ukraine would probably welcome this decision,” he said, referring in part to Ukrainian media reports.

Switzerland has previously tightened protection rules for people fleeing Ukraine. Following a parliamentary decision, only people from occupied or contested regions of Ukraine can receive status S.

In March 2027, around 46,000 people who fled the war will have been in Switzerland for five years. They will then receive temporary B residence permits, while the federal government will end its financial support for the cantons under the 2027 relief package. The cantons will set the level of support for Ukrainians themselves, increasing their financial burden.