Starting November 1st, Switzerland will tighten its asylum rules for Ukrainians.
Those arriving from western regions now deemed “safe” will no longer automatically receive S status - the special protection introduced after Russia’s invasion - but must instead go through the regular asylum process.
The Federal Council says the move follows Parliament’s demand to reserve S status for people “genuinely in need of protection.” Seven regions in western Ukraine are now considered safe, though the list could change if the war shifts.
Critics say the decision is cruel and ignores ongoing drone attacks across the country. The left calls it “inhumane,” while the Swiss People’s Party also objects, but only because S status has again been extended, this time until March 2027.
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