Ukrainian Crisis: Overview of Switzerland’s Protection Status ‘S’

Following Switzerland’s latest press release on the 11^th of March, the Federal Council has decided to activate the Protection status ’S’ for Ukrainian nationals.

Below we have provided an overview on this status and some other frequently asked questions.

 

What is the protection status ’S’ and what does it mean?

The protection status ’S’ enables an individual to receive an S-permit. This type of permit will be limited to a maximum of one year but can be extended. After five years, individuals still in need of protection may receive a B-permit, which will be valid until the temporary protection is lifted.

The protection status ’S’ ultimately confers a right of residence in Switzerland, allows its beneficiary to reunite with family members* and gives the same rights as those of persons admitted to the country temporarily when it pertains to access to accommodation, assistance and medical care. It also enables children to go to school.

Individuals who are granted this status may travel abroad and return to Switzerland without a travel permit. They may engage in gainful employment (including self-employment) without having to wait a certain period to do so as is typical in other similar situations.

Anyone seeking protection should register directly with a federal asylum center or at a border checkpoint.

Who is eligible for the protection status ’S’?

• • • Ukrainian citizens seeking protection and their family members who were residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022
    • Persons of other nationalities and stateless persons seeking protection as well as their family members who held international or national protection status in Ukraine before 24 February 2022
    • Persons of other nationalities and stateless persons seeking protection as well as their family members who have a valid right of residence in Ukraine and cannot return to their home countries in safety and on a permanent basis

*Family members can request family reunion if they are registered partners and spouses, minor children or other close relatives who were being fully or partially supported at the time of exit from Ukraine.

 

Working in Switzerland

As mentioned above, Ukrainian nationals under the protection status ‘S’ will be able to access the Swiss job market without having to wait for a period of time before being able to start working.

However, this does not mean that a person holding an S-permit will be able to start working without a proper work authorization in place and before an application has been submitted by an employer and the conditions reviewed by the competent Cantonal Authority.

Although work permit applications can be submitted as soon as the protection status ’S’ has been granted, employers will still have to comply with current immigration rules. Salary and working conditions will be thoroughly reviewed by the authorities to avoid any abuse or social dumping of persons benefiting from this protection status.

 

 

Need to Know More?

If this topic interests you or you would like to know more about the Ukraine crisis and how Switzerland is dealing with it, please feel free to contact Ana Bessa Santos at [email protected] or the Fragomen Swiss immigration team.

This blog was published on 30 March 2022, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please visit our dedicated COVID-19 site, subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.