Zurich plans to change social benefits for Ukrainians with S status

The Swiss canton of Zurich plans to change the procedure for providing social assistance to Ukrainians with S status who have received a residence permit. The cantonal government has already submitted the relevant draft law for consideration by the cantonal council.

The new rules are expected to come into force on March 1, 2027.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to a press release from the Zurich cantonal government.

What they want to change

The Swiss Federal Council has granted the cantons the right to independently determine the procedure for providing social assistance to persons with S status who also have a residence permit.

Currently, the legislation provides that such persons can receive regular social assistance on a par with Swiss citizens.

Zurich proposes to change this approach. All persons with S status, regardless of whether they have a residence permit, are planned to be equated in terms of social assistance to temporarily admitted persons.

Thus, support will be provided under special rules, and not within the framework of the regular social assistance system.

Currently, Ukrainians with S status who do not have a residence permit already receive benefits under these rules. Therefore, the changes will primarily affect those who will receive or already have a residence permit.

Why are the changes planned for 2027

In March 2027, it will be five years since the first Ukrainians received protection in Switzerland.

After five years of residence in the country, it may be possible to apply for a residence permit. Without changes to cantonal legislation, Ukrainians who receive such a permit and at the same time retain S status could apply for regular social assistance, the amount of which is higher than payments for temporarily admitted persons.

The Zurich government wants to maintain the current special support regime for this category of recipients.

Why Zurich wants to limit payments

The cantonal authorities explain the proposed changes by the need to maintain incentives for integration.

Another reason is the risk of people with S status moving to Zurich from other cantons because of the possibility of receiving higher social assistance. People who are eligible can change their canton of residence.

What is provided for integrated Ukrainians

The possibility of obtaining a separate residence permit for well-integrated people with S status is planned to be preserved.

After five years of residence in Switzerland, they will be able to apply for the appropriate permit in exceptional cases.

If it is obtained, the legal status of a person will no longer be determined by asylum legislation, but by the general migration legislation of Switzerland.

At the same time, the final criteria for granting such a permit at the federal level have yet to be determined.