Swiss finalise decision on ‘S permit’ for Ukrainian refugees
Ukrainians fleeing the war will be eligible for a temporary S permit to live and immediately work in Switzerland. The permit, initially valid for a year, has never before been activated.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/dos
Español
es
Suiza concede permiso especial de estancia a ucranianos
In announcing the introduction of the S permit as of tomorrow (Saturday), the government confirmed what it mooted last week, and for which it has since received wide backing from cantons, cities, and municipalities.
The S statusExternal link – for “people in need of protection” – will free the expected large numbers of Ukrainian refugees from case-by-case asylum procedures, and will facilitate an “unbureaucratic” and “speedy” process, Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter said on Friday.
The initial validity of the permit will be for one year, and the expectation is that many people will leave Switzerland again once the conflict has ended. However, since it is unclear how long this might take, the permits can also be extended.
As for the details of who exactly is eligible, it’s not just Ukrainian citizens: others fleeing the country can also apply – if they were already living legally in Ukraine, and if they cannot safely return to their home country.
More
More
Up to 60,000 Ukrainians could seek refuge in Switzerland
This content was published on
Between 50,000-60,000 Ukrainians could seek protection in Switzerland following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to the Swiss justice minister.
However, those who first receive protection in another European Union country cannot later apply for an S permit. On Friday, Keller-Sutter said the status is “similar” to the conditions of the EU’s Temporary Protection DirectiveExternal link, agreed by member states last week.
Those who receive the Swiss permit can meanwhile begin working – as an employee or independently – straight away, the government said. The usual three-month waiting period has been scrapped. They will also enjoy freedom of movement within the Schengen Area.
Flexible and pragmatic
“The challenge for federal and cantonal authorities is that many Ukrainian refugees could arrive in Switzerland, but we don’t know how many or when. We have to remain flexible and pragmatic, and to work together,” Keller-Sutter said.
In a separate interview with Blick TV yesterday, the Justice Minister said that up to 60,000 Ukrainians could come. The UN says more than 2.5 million people have fled Ukraine since the war started. The majority, around 1.5 million people, have travelled to Poland.
Some 2,100 Ukrainians have registered with Swiss authorities since the outbreak of war on February 24. Around two-thirds are currently staying in federal asylum centres; one-third are in private households.
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss schools prepare for Ukrainian children
This content was published on
As Switzerland prepares to host over 5,000 refugees, many schools across the country could soon be taking in children fleeing war-torn Ukraine.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.