New, stricter rules for granting temporary protection to Ukrainian refugees came into effect in Switzerland on November 1, 2025. The country's Federal Council decided not to automatically grant S status to citizens who arrived directly from seven western regions of Ukraine — Volyn, Rivne, Lviv, Ternopil, Zakarpattia, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Chernivtsi.
The Swiss authorities believe that the situation in these regions is stable enough to consider it safe to return there. According to the Swiss publication SRF, this decision applies only to those Ukrainians who arrive after November 1. Those who have already received S protection status retain all rights - to residence, social benefits and freedom of movement.
At the same time, the new rules will not affect persons for whom returning to Ukraine is dangerous or impossible due to illness or difficult circumstances.
According to representatives of the Federal Council, the innovations will affect only a small proportion of Ukrainians. Among the current refugees in Switzerland, only about 10% come from regions that are now recognized as safe.
The Secretariat for Migration (SEM) will continue to consider each case individually. If a person does not prove the need for protection, they may be denied status and even deported. However, expulsion is only possible in cases where it is legally and factually feasible.
The authorities also note that despite local stability, the complete safety of returning to Ukraine is not yet guaranteed, so the state is ready to consider options for temporary support or to facilitate access to the EU asylum system.
