Immigration News - Switzerland Protection status S extended for Ukrainian refugees Share this article LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) November 17, 2023 The Swiss Federal Council announced protection status S will remain in place for Ukrainian refugees until March 2025. Key Points: • Government officials originally granted protection status S to Ukrainian refugees in March 2022, citing the ongoing conflict with Russia and the need to offer temporary protection to those in need. • An estimated 66,000 Ukrainian refugees have protection status S in Switzerland. • Protection status S can only be lifted by the Federal Council, and they have confirmed that unless the situation fundamentally changes, it will remain in place. BAL Analysis: The European Council also recently extended temporary protection to Ukrainian refugees until March 2025. The Swiss government aligned with the EU in extending protection to provide clarity to employers as well as Ukrainian refugees. This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.