Switzerland will maintain the temporary protection status (Status S) for Ukrainians who fled Ukraine due to Russia’s full-scale invasion until March 4, 2028, but will tighten the eligibility criteria for obtaining it.
“There are still no signs of long-term stabilization of the situation in Ukraine. Therefore, Status S for individuals from Ukraine seeking protection will be extended until March 4, 2028. Support measures for individuals with Status S (Program S) will also continue until that date,” the Swiss government stated in a Wednesday announcement on its website.
It is reported that the Federal Council made this decision at its meeting on August 19 following consultations with relevant stakeholders.
At the same time, it is noted that as of August 20, S protection status will be restricted for certain other groups of individuals—S protection status will now be granted only to those performing military duties they may have in Ukraine. “This new rule applies to all new applicants who submitted their applications on August 20 or later. It does not affect individuals who have already been granted S protection status,” the government statement notes.
As explained by the Swiss government, this decision was made to align with EU policy on this matter. “Switzerland has thus far closely coordinated its actions with the EU regarding S protection status and will continue to do so. On July 30, EU member states decided to extend temporary protection until March 4, 2028. At the same time, they decided to restrict access to temporary protection in the EU: as of July 31, temporary protection is granted only to those performing military duties in Ukraine. The requirement to perform military duties applies, in particular, to Ukrainian citizens of draft age, those in the reserves, and those who have voluntarily joined the armed forces. “Switzerland is not legally obligated to implement this decision adopted by the Council of the EU. However, the Federal Council believes that it is in Switzerland’s interest to align its practices with those of the EU,” the statement reads.
Should the situation in Ukraine stabilize sustainably, the Federal Council will review the status of protection for Ukrainians.
As previously reported, in late July, the European Union extended temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 4, 2028, with a new provision stipulating that newly arrived Ukrainian citizens subject to military service will be eligible for protection only if they have no issues with their military registration documents.
As of August 5, the European Union has changed the conditions for granting temporary protection to certain Ukrainian citizens subject to military service. New applicants will be required to confirm that they have complied with the requirements of Ukrainian law, have been exempted from military service, or have legally left the territory of Ukraine.
The relevant provisions are contained in EU Council Implementing Decision No. 2026/1912, adopted on July 30 and published in the Official Journal of the European Union on August 4, 2026. The decision entered into force the day after its publication.
The new restriction applies only to individuals who apply for temporary protection after the decision enters into force. Ukrainians who have already been granted this status in an EU country retain their rights, and the new rules do not apply to them.
To obtain temporary protection, a new applicant must confirm compliance with their military obligations in Ukraine. Evidence may include a passport with a stamp confirming lawful departure from the country, or a paper or electronic document confirming exemption from service or the fulfillment of relevant obligations. The decision will depend on the availability of documents confirming the legality of departure and the applicant’s status under Ukrainian law.
At the same time, the Council of the EU has extended temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens for another year—until March 4, 2028. Previously, the program was set to expire on March 4, 2027.
The Council of the EU explained that the new condition was introduced to simultaneously ensure protection for displaced persons and address Ukraine’s defense needs. EU member states agreed that, going forward, temporary protection should be granted only to new applicants who are fulfilling their military obligations in Ukraine.
Temporary protection grants Ukrainians the right to reside in EU countries, as well as access to the labor market, medical care, social security, housing, and education for their children.
According to the Council of the EU, as of the end of May 2026, approximately 4.38 million people who had left Ukraine after the start of the full-scale war were benefiting from temporary protection in the European Union.
