Federal Council extends protection status S for Ukrainians until March 2028 and introduces new measures

The Swiss Federal Council decided to extend protection status S for people displaced from Ukraine until 4 March 2028. 

The government also extended the accompanying integration support programme, which provides financial assistance to the cantons to promote language learning, education and labour market integration. 

At the same time, Switzerland introduced stricter eligibility criteria for new applicants, aligning its approach more closely with that of the European Union. From 20 August 2026, Status S will only be granted to individuals who fulfilled their possible military obligations in Ukraine. Under Friedli Motion 24.3378, the Federal Council had already limited the granting of S status to people whose last place of residence was in an occupied or combat-affected region of Ukraine since November 2025.

These new restrictions apply only to applications submitted from that date onward and do not affect individuals who already hold Status S. 

Additionally, the government has clarified the long-term residence framework, noting that beneficiaries who have resided in Switzerland for five years may obtain a residence permit linked to status S and may also apply for a hardship residence permit under certain conditions provided by the Asylum Act.