The Swiss Federal Council has announced measures to make it easier for people holding protection status S (displaced persons from Ukraine) to enter the labour market, in order to promote professional integration among beneficiaries. The amendments to the relevant ordinances will come into effect on 1 December 2025.
Under the new rules, S status holders will no longer need a work permit to take up employment. Instead, employers will only have to register the start or end of employment, either via the federal business portal "EasyGov.swiss" or directly with the competent cantonal authority. This simplified registration system can already be used from 23 October 2025.
Beneficiaries of protection who receive social assistance may also be required to participate in integration or vocational programmes, similar to recognised refugees or provisionally admitted persons. Failure to comply may lead to reductions in social assistance payments.
Additionally, the Federal Council decided to allow the Confederation and the cantons to extend integration programme agreements by mutual consent.
The reforms involve amendments to the Ordinance on Admission, Residence and the Exercise of Gainful Activity and the Ordinance on the Integration of Foreigners.