Switzerland Limits Refugee Protection for Ukrainians from Seven Western Regions

Switzerland has announced restrictions on refugee protection for Ukrainians from specific western regions, reflecting concerns over the ongoing instability in Ukraine.

• Starting 1 November, the Swiss Federal Council will limit protection status to Ukrainians from only certain regions, notably excluding Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, Rivne, Ternopil, and Zakarpattia Oblast.
• The decision comes as the Swiss government assesses that a sustainable stabilisation of Ukraine is unlikely in the medium term, impacting many vulnerable Ukrainians.
• Switzerlands new approach highlights the ongoing refugee crisis resulting from the conflict in Ukraine and poses significant challenges for those seeking asylum.