Switzerland halts protection status S for Ukrainian men liable for military service
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Switzerland halts special protection status S for Ukrainian men liable for military service, effective August 20, following a similar move by the European Union. The restriction applies to new applications filed from that date and does not affect Ukrainians already granted status S.
Key Facts
- Switzerland extended status S for Ukrainian refugees by another year, until March 4, 2028.
- About 4.3 million Ukrainian refugees reside in EU countries, of whom around 1 million are men eligible for military service.
- More than 73,000 Ukrainians with status S currently live in Switzerland.
- On August 5, EU countries almost unanimously supported a proposal to withhold asylum from Ukrainian men fit for military service.
The New Swiss Rule
Switzerland now grants status S only to persons subject to military duties in Ukraine, according to a government statement. The new rule applies to all applications filed from August 20. Ukrainians who already hold status S are not affected by the restriction. Bern said it is not legally obliged to follow the EU Council decision but considers aligning its practice with the European Union to be in the confederation's interest.
EU Decision
On August 5, EU countries almost unanimously backed a proposal to deny asylum to Ukrainian men fit for military service. The European Commission said the proposal originated from Kyiv. There are about 4.3 million Ukrainian refugees in EU countries, including roughly 1 million men eligible for military service.
Status S in Switzerland
Status S was introduced in March 2022 and grants the right to stay in Switzerland for one year with the possibility of annual renewal. Status S also provides the right to work with permission from cantonal authorities. Children of Ukrainian citizens with status S can attend school in Switzerland. Switzerland decided to extend status S for Ukrainian refugees by one year, until March 4, 2028.
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Switzerland halts protection status S for Ukrainian men liable for military service
