Swiss Federal Council proposes extending protection status S for Ukrainians beyond March 2027, considers excluding draft-age men

Why status S may continue

The war in Ukraine shows no sign of a lasting ceasefire, and the initial activation of protection status S is now over four years old. The Swiss Asylum Act stipulates that after five years, if the Federal Council has not lifted the status, cantons must issue residence permits. To avoid an abrupt administrative strain and to keep an effective protection channel open, the government presented the concept 'Zukunft Status S' on Friday.

Justice Minister Beat Jans briefed the media at 15:15, emphasising that the status could continue to relieve the ordinary asylum system even after the March 2027 deadline.

Three scenarios for the future

The concept maps three pathways. The first is a simple continuation of status S, with differentiated treatment of regions of origin. The second envisions a full lifting triggered by a stable ceasefire or durable peace, with a six-to-twelve-month transition and a 500 Swiss franc return aid per person; close cooperation with the EU and Ukraine would support reintegration. The third, pushed by the Swiss People's Party, is an exit from status S even if the conflict persists.

The controversial exclusion of draft-age men

A politically sensitive element is the potential exclusion of Ukrainian men of military age from status S. The Federal Council is considering the restriction because the European Union is debating similar measures to ease Ukraine's army recruitment difficulties. Switzerland has so far coordinated closely with the EU on status S and wants to maintain that alignment to prevent secondary migration. Since November 2025, a first restriction already distinguishes between occupied or contested zones and areas where return is considered reasonable.

Cantonal social assistance and financial levers

From March 2027, cantons are to receive more autonomy in granting social assistance to status S holders. The shift responds to Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter's 2027 relief package, which ends federal subsidies for persons who have enjoyed status S for more than five years. If no referendum is launched, the package takes effect on 1 January 2027.

Next steps and EU alignment

Consultation with cantons, municipal associations, social partners and other actors runs until the end of summer 2026. The Federal Council intends to decide on the final shape of the revision before autumn. Throughout the process, Switzerland will continue its close coordination with the EU to keep conditions aligned and discourage irregular onward movement across the continent.