The Swiss Federal Council has announced new measures aimed at simplifying the employment process for Ukrainian citizens.
Swiss authorities stated that they want to eliminate the requirement for Ukrainians who have found employment in the country to obtain permission from the authorities of the relevant canton, which in some cases is also paid.
According to the decision by the Swiss Federal Council, people employed with S protection status (which applies to all Ukrainian refugees) will also be able to change their place of residence in the future if it allows them to get a job in another canton. Until now, Swiss cantons have been very strict about Ukrainians wanting to change their place of residence.
Additionally, unemployed individuals with S protection status will now be required to register with Swiss employment agencies and participate in professional integration or reintegration programs.
Furthermore, the Federal Council seeks to make it easier for citizens of third countries who have been trained in Switzerland to enter the labor market, and has initiated consultations to amend the relevant legislation.
The S protection status in Switzerland has been applied to refugees from Ukraine since March 2022 and will remain in effect at least until 2026. It means that Ukrainians do not have to go through the asylum process and can receive housing, financial support, and medical assistance.
According to the latest data, around 66,000 Ukrainians currently hold S protection status in Switzerland.
