Switzerland prepares to extend S status for Ukrainians beyond March 2027: consultation launched

On 19 June 2026, the Swiss Federal Council launched a consultation on the future of protection status S for Ukrainians after its current expiry date — 4 March 2027. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) put forward for discussion a concept entitled "Future of S status", and in parallel a proposal to restrict access to the status for Ukrainian men of call-up age.

This is so far not a final decision, but the start of an official consultation with cantons, cities, municipalities, social partners and other organisations. The consultation itself will run until the end of summer 2026; after it, the Federal Council plans to take a decision — also by the end of summer 2026, in light of the results of the consultation and the decision of the European Union (this is an intention, not a guaranteed date). Currently around 72,000 people from Ukraine hold S status (as of the end of 2025).

Three scenarios of the "Future of S status"

The SEM concept prepares the country for three possible scenarios:

• Extension of S status — if the war in Ukraine continues and a safe return remains unrealistic.
• Full abolition of S status — in the event of a stable and lasting ceasefire.
• Phased exit from S status — in the case of a protracted conflict with no clear prospect of an end.

The Federal Council has already stated that it is in principle inclined towards extending protection after March 2027, as there are no prospects of a lasting peace.

Men of call-up age: who this concerns

A separate question put to consultation is whether Ukrainian men of call-up age should continue to be entitled to S status, or whether access for them should be restricted. This is consistent with the approach being discussed in the EU.

A key clarification: if a restriction is introduced, it will apply only to new applicants. Ukrainian men who are already in Switzerland with S status will retain their protection. In other words, for those who already hold the status, there are no immediate changes.

What already applies now

The current rules remain in force until a new decision is taken:

• S status and the support programme (S Programme) have been extended until 4 March 2027 (Federal Council decision of 8 October 2025).
• From 1 November 2025, new S status is granted only to people whose last place of residence was in occupied areas or zones of active hostilities. People from seven western regions of Ukraine considered "acceptable" for return must now submit an ordinary asylum application.
• Switzerland synchronises its timelines with the EU: on 13 June 2025 the EU member states politically agreed to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians also until 4 March 2027.

What this means for you

If you already hold S status in Switzerland, your protection applies at least until 4 March 2027, and the current consultation does not cancel it. If you are planning to apply for protection for the first time, take into account the rules in force since 1 November 2025: S status is available only to people from occupied or front-line territories. Keep track of the Federal Council's decision, expected by the end of summer 2026 — it is precisely this that will define the conditions after March 2027.

Official announcements are published on the admin.ch portal and the SEM website. Check only primary sources before taking any action with documents.