The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) decided to activate the Protection Status “S” for Ukrainian refugees and their family members. This decision aims at accelerating the asylum-seeking procedure for Ukrainians in need of protection by establishing a swift, flexible, and pragmatic process. The SEM lifted the blockage by granting expeditious access to the Swiss labour market for Ukrainian refugees with the Status “S” based on the guideline (Weisung) issued on 15 March 2022. The Cantonal Offices for Economics and Labour and the Cantonal Offices for Migration will accelerate the work permit applications. However, the working conditions and wages must be in line with legal requirements. A work permit authorisation can be issued based on the validity of the Status “S” and no entry authorisation is required. Furthermore, the work permit authorisation does not fall under the work permit quota.

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