Switzerland may change the protection rules for Ukrainians in 2027
This is stated in an official statement from the Swiss Central Conference of Social Directors.
What might change for Ukrainians
In March 2027, the temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine in Switzerland will expire.
Under current rules, Ukrainians can automatically receive temporary residence permits of category B.
This entails higher social benefits. As a result, a number of cantons have opposed the automatic transition and called for a review of the current rules.
According to the Swiss Conference of Social Directors, the fate of over 30,000 Ukrainians may depend on the government’s decision.
Why the cantons are opposed
Following the start of full-scale Russian aggression in February 2022, Switzerland granted Ukrainian refugees S-category protection status.
This is temporary protection for people who have fled the war.
Current legislation provides for the automatic conversion of this status into a category B residence permit.
For the cantons, this means higher costs. In some regions of Central Switzerland, social assistance for Ukrainians could almost double.
The position of local authorities
The problem for the cantons is exacerbated by the fact that the federal government is simultaneously withdrawing its own funding.
With the 27th aid package, parliament has scrapped the one-off payment.
Peter Truttmann, President of the Central Swiss Conference of Social Directors, stated that the federal government cannot simultaneously withdraw funding and dictate higher payment levels to the cantons.
“From our point of view, the federal government cannot withdraw funding and at the same time prescribe higher payments to the cantons. Those who no longer make a financial contribution cannot dictate the level of social assistance to the cantons,” said Truttmann.
What is the main point of contention?
The cantons believe that the automatic conversion of S status to a B permit contradicts the basic principle of temporary protection.
In their view, a mechanism designed as temporary protection for the duration of the war could effectively turn into a model for permanent residence.
At the same time, the Central Swiss Conference of Social Directors acknowledges Switzerland’s humanitarian responsibility and the integration efforts of many Ukrainians.
What the cantons are proposing
The cantons are insisting on a review of the financial model.
They want the Federal Council to allow them to determine the level of social assistance independently if the regions bear the costs without federal funding.
If the Swiss government amends the Asylum Ordinance accordingly, after 2027 Ukrainians will have to go through standard and significantly more complex procedures to regularise their status.
Furthermore, the level of financial support will depend on the decision of the specific region where Ukrainians reside.
What has already changed in Switzerland
From 1 November 2025, Switzerland stopped granting asylum to Ukrainians from seven regions in western Ukraine.
Following this, 104 refugees received deportation orders.
A further 150 or so people left the country of their own accord.
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