Beyond Temporary Protection

Roundtable on the future of Ukrainians with Status S in Switzerland

More than four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, over 71,000 Ukrainians are living in Switzerland under Status S. With no clear end to the war, uncertainty has become part of everyday life for refugees trying to plan their future, for employers, and for public authorities alike.

The Status S was created as a temporary protection measure, yet many Ukrainians have now been in Switzerland for several years. They are learning the language, looking for work, and trying to build a sense of stability. At the same time, Switzerland continues to balance a dual approach of integration and eventual return, a strategy that can be difficult to navigate in practice and often creates confusion.

Finding work remains a key challenge. The Swiss labour market is demanding, qualifications do not always transfer easily, and employers may hesitate to invest in people whose status is uncertain. These tensions between protection, autonomy, and economic participation were at the heart of a closed roundtable organised by nccr on the move.

The discussion brought together representatives from different levels of Swiss government, NGOs, and international organisations. Held under the Chatham House Rule, the roundtable focused on what the future of Status S could look like and how Switzerland can better prepare for the years ahead while keeping protection at its core.