Switzerland may extend protection for Ukrainians after 2027, but reconsider the status for men of conscription age

Switzerland has launched consultations on extending the S protection status for Ukrainian refugees beyond March 2027 due to the lack of prospects for a lasting ceasefire in Ukraine. At the same time, the country is considering the possibility of limiting this status for Ukrainian men of conscription age, aligning its decisions with the approaches of the European Union. This is stated in a message from the Swiss Federal Government, reports UNN. 

The Federal Council takes note of the proposal "Future of S Protection Status," which states that extending the S protection status after March 2027 could continue to provide effective protection and reduce the burden on the asylum system. The Federal Council will decide on this matter in the summer after consultations with relevant stakeholders 

Furthermore, the Federal Council is considering whether to exclude Ukrainian men subject to military conscription from the S protection status in the future. This is related to the fact that the EU is currently considering extending temporary protection with a possible limitation for these men.

The Swiss government emphasized that since there are no short- or medium-term prospects for a lasting ceasefire in Ukraine, the S protection status should be extended after March 2027, and therefore consultations have been launched. 

The Swiss government stressed that the country closely coordinates its actions with the EU regarding the S protection status and will continue to do so.

This close coordination is primarily aimed at preventing secondary migration between European countries. Switzerland is closely monitoring discussions in Europe and analyzing whether Swiss practice should be adapted in line with any relevant decisions taken by the EU 

At the same time, the government emphasized that limiting the protection status for men subject to military conscription would require amendments to the general ordinance of the Federal Council of October 8, 2025, on granting temporary protection in connection with the situation in Ukraine. 

Depending on the results of the consultations and any EU decisions, the Federal Council will decide by the end of the summer on the future of the S protection status – as well as on whether amendments should be made to the general ordinance. Following the implementation of the Friedli proposal, the Federal Department of Migration and Integration (SEM) has already limited the "S" protection status to persons whose last place of residence was in occupied or disputed regions of Ukraine 

The government recalls that in November last year, a number of agencies were tasked with developing clear rules regarding the future of the S protection status, based on which there are three possible scenarios: maintaining the S protection status; complete abolition of the S protection status in the event of a stable ceasefire; and gradual abolition of the S protection status in the event of an ongoing conflict.

The proposal outlines the operational consequences and financial and personnel requirements for the federal government and the cantons, and provides a basis for decision-making.

Addendum

The S protection status in Switzerland has been applied to refugees from Ukraine since March 2022. It means that Ukrainians do not have to go through the asylum procedure and can claim housing, financial support, and medical care.

In October 2025, this status was extended until March 4, 2027, while simultaneously tightening the rules for obtaining it.

Recall 

The Czech government approved a bill to tighten the conditions for the stay of Ukrainian refugees in the country, particularly regarding temporary protection, humanitarian payments, and the registration of cars with Ukrainian license plates.