Temporary protection for Ukrainian men: Switzerland follows EU in changing rules

Ivanna Kostina, STANISLAV POHORILOV - 19 August, 15:40

Stock photo: Getty Images

The Swiss Federal Council extended support measures for people fleeing the war in Ukraine until 4 March 2028 at its meeting on 19 August, but introduced restrictions.

Source: European Pravda, citing a statement by the Swiss Federal Council

Quote: "As there is no prospect in the short or medium term of a lasting ceasefire in Ukraine, protection status S will be extended until March 2028. In the Federal Council's view, protection status S is currently the best solution for continuing to provide effective protection for persons from Ukraine and for relieving pressure on the asylum system."

Details: The Federal Council said it would review protection status S if the situation in Ukraine stabilises sustainably.

The Swiss government noted that Switzerland has closely coordinated its approach to protection status S with the EU and will continue to do so. On 30 July 2026, EU member states decided to extend temporary protection until 4 March 2028. Meanwhile, they decided to restrict access to it within the EU.

Quote: "Switzerland is not legally bound by this decision taken by the Council of the EU. However, the Federal Council takes the view that it is in Switzerland's interests to align its practice with that of the EU.

Consequently, protection status S will now only be granted to individuals who are in compliance with the military obligations they may have in Ukraine."

Details: The restrictions will not apply to Ukrainian citizens who have already been granted S status. The new provision applies to all new applications submitted from 20 August 2026.

Background:

In late July, the European Union extended temporary protection for Ukrainians until 4 March 2028, introducing a new provision under which newly arrived Ukrainian citizens liable for military service will only be eligible for the status if there are no issues with their military registration documents.
Czechia reported that last year, for the first time, more Ukrainian men than women were granted temporary protection in the country.

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