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Ukrainians who leave Ukraine due to the war and go to SWITZERLAND can count on, among other things, Temporary Protection (“Protection S”), but there are certain nuances of this status in Switzerland in comparison with EU countries that operate within the framework of the Directive for Ukrainians Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/382 of 4 March 2022).
On March 12, the status of “Protection S” came into force. With this status, refugees from Ukraine receive the right to temporary stay for a period of one year.
The Federation assumes financial responsibility for overall payments. The issue of health insurance for persons with “Protection S” status was also agreed upon.
Citizens of Ukraine who wish to apply for this status in Switzerland, as well as persons who entered the country on their own initiative in the past, should contact the Federal Migration Service in Altstätten at the address: 9450 Altstätten, Schöntalstrasse 2 .
Detailed information on the status “Protection S” can be obtained on the official page of the Swiss Federal Migration Service https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/de/home.html or in the explanatory letter – status “Protection S” https://www.sem.admin.ch/dam/sem/de/data/asyl/faktenblatt-schutzstatus-s.pdf
The protective status “S” provides the right to residence, social support and medical care, the right to education and access to work, but with certain conditions.
What to do to obtain S protection status in Switzerland?
Anyone seeking protection applies to one of the Federal Asylum Centers/ Bundesasylzentrum (BAZ).
Each application is checked separately for fulfillment of the conditions belonging to the S protection status group (passport control, security check).
After registration, the applicant is directed to a specific canton. This canton decides to accommodate the applicant itself or in cooperation with “Swiss Refugee Aid”.
(Schweizerische Flüchtlingshilfe SFH) – arrange accommodation with private individuals.
️Important: applicants do not have to register in the very first days after arriving in Switzerland – they have up to 90 days to do so (but provided they have a biometric passport)
Later registration has no disadvantages.
For example, if expenses are incurred due to an urgent visit to the doctor before applying for S protection status, they are covered by the canton or, if necessary, the federal government.
SEM recommends that anyone seeking protection first apply as soon as possible. You can do this online at the link https://www.sem.admin.ch/dam/sem/de/data/asyl/gesuch-schutzstatus-s.pdf.download.pdf/gesuch-schutzstatus-s-d.pdf or on-site at one of the six Federal Asylum Centers.
After submitting the application, the person seeking protection is medically insured.
What does protection status “S” mean and what does it include?
With protection status S, persons seeking protection receive an S document. Its validity is limited to a maximum of one year, which can be extended.
Persons granted S protection status can travel abroad and return to Switzerland without obtaining a travel permit. They can look for paid work (including self-employment) without a waiting period. There are no quotas for protection status S.
How does family reunification happen?
S status family reunification is governed similarly to recognized refugee cases. This means that spouses, registered partners and minor children of families in need of protection also receive temporary protection. However, Ukrainians can independently and freely enter Switzerland and receive protection here. Family reunification can also happen spontaneously.
How can persons from Ukraine seeking protection finance their existence in Switzerland?
The confederation promotes social and professional integration in Switzerland. Persons with protection status S receive social assistance from the canton and will be able to work (including self-employment) without a waiting period. Children will be able to attend school.
Are persons with protection status S allowed to travel?
Persons who received S status in accordance with the decision of the Federal Council dated 11.07removed from 2022, can go abroad with a valid passport without issuing a travel permit and return to Switzerland. Entry is governed by the rules of entry to these countries. An application for asylum (for refugee status) can be submitted immediately or at any time during the validity of the “Protection S” status. Questions can also be asked at the email address ukraine@sem.admin.ch and at the hotline call 058 465 99 11 (from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
