Asylum Seekers and Ukrainians: Now Allowed to Work in Switzerland (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on

New federal ordinances now permit asylum seekers and holders of S protection status, including Ukrainians, to engage in gainful employment in Switzerland, even in Ticino.

Contesto

TL;DR - Asylum seekers and S status holders can work in Switzerland during application processing. - New ordinances allow quicker labor market integration for migrants. - Ticino expects increased employment opportunities, especially in construction and tourism. ## Key facts - Cosa: Asylum seekers and S status holders can work during application processing. - Quando: Ordinances adopted on March 20, 2026. - Dove: Switzerland, particularly in Ticino and border areas. - Chi: Asylum seekers, S status holders, and Ukrainians with S protection. - Importo: Around 10,000 individuals could benefit from this measure. - Scadenza: Measures remain in effect until June 29, 2026. - Stipendio minimo: 3,350 CHF per month for construction, 3,200 CHF for services and retail. - Programma: Pretirocinio d'integrazione (PTI) offers training and professional placement. Opening up employment opportunities for asylum seekers and holders of S status, including Ukrainians, marks a significant step forward in the integration of migrants into Swiss society. With the recent ordinances adopted on March 20, 2026, by the Federal Council, these categories of foreigners will be able to work, subject to authorization, even during the processing phase of their protection application. This decision fits within broader integration measures aimed at promoting the socio-economic inclusion of those arriving in Switzerland, especially in the context of international crises like the Ukrainian conflict. The most notable change is the possibility for asylum seekers and those under S evaluation to work even before receiving a final decision, supported by federal contributions. This facilitates quicker integration into the labor market and reduces waiting times, providing tangible benefits for local businesses and ec...

Dettagli operativi

Legal clarification: the ordinances adopted by the Federal Council establish that individuals in the process of applying for S protection can be authorized to work upon request and with cantonal approval. The procedure, already in place for asylum seekers, now extends to those holding temporary or S protection. The law stipulates that authorization must be granted within 30 days of the request, with renewal options and access to various types of employment. Wages and working conditions are regulated according to SECO guidelines, with particular attention to minimum salaries, which in Ticino are around 3,350 CHF per month for construction and 3,200 CHF for services and retail. Employers are also required to comply with safety regulations, working hours, and social security contributions. Additionally, the pilot program for Pretirocinio d'integrazione (PTI), which offers training and professional placement pathways for older-arriving young foreigners, will be expanded at the federal level and made permanent in Ticino, involving SUPSI and USI. Funded with federal resources, this measure aims to facilitate the integration of young people aged 18 to 25 by providing training and employment opportunities in strategic sectors like construction, tourism, and commerce. A further development is the strengthening of cooperation between cantonal and federal agencies to ensure proper implementation and continuous monitoring of effectiveness. For cross-border workers, this regulation offers concrete opportunities to expand employment options, including in non-traditional sectors, reducing onboarding times and improving salary conditions. The collaboration between Ticino, SECO, and industry associations will be crucial to ensure effective and sustainable application of these new rules....

Punti chiave

For asylum seekers and Ukrainians interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, some practical steps are recommended: first, verify your status with cantonal migration offices or USI Lugano, which provide support and guidance. It is important to submit a work authorization application, attaching necessary documents such as your passport, ongoing protection request, and any training certificates. Once authorized, the worker can begin employment, adhering to the specified conditions. For companies, it’s advisable to stay informed about wage and safety regulations, ensuring compliance with Swiss standards. Collaboration between public and private entities will benefit both job seekers and local businesses, supporting the cross-border economy and helping to curb illegal employment. For more details, consult the salary calculator, which estimates net wages based on working conditions and tax rates. These measures will remain in effect until June 29, 2026, the end of the consultation period, and may be extended or modified depending on international and local developments. To stay updated, regularly visit the official Ticino canton website and official migration information channels. This new regulation offers a real opportunity for integration and economic growth, with tangible benefits for local communities and foreign workers.

Punti chiave

[{"q":"Can I work in Switzerland even if I am waiting for my S protection application?","a":"Yes, thanks to the new ordinances of the Federal Council, you can work in Switzerland even before receiving a final decision on your application for S protection."},{"q":"What is the maximum waiting time for work authorization for asylum seekers or S-protection holders in Switzerland?","a":"Work authorization is issued within 30 days of application."},{"q":"What are the minimum wages for border workers with S status in Ticino?","a":"In Ticino, minimum wages vary by sector. For construction, they stand at around CHF 3,350 per month. For the services and trade sectors, the minimum is around CHF 3,200 per month. These amounts are regulated by the SECO and must be respected by Swiss employers."},{"q":"How long does it take to get work authorization for S status holders?","a":"Work authorization for persons under examination of the S protection application is issued within 30 days of the application. This procedure has been simplified to facilitate rapid integration into the Swiss labour market, with the possibility of renewal."},{"q":"What are the growing sectors for border guards with S protection in Ticino?","a":"The sectors that benefit most from this new legislation in Ticino include construction, tourism and assistance. Trade and services also offer new opportunities. These areas have a high demand for labor, favoring the integration of workers with S status."}]

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in Switzerland even if I am waiting for my S protection application?
Yes, thanks to the new ordinances of the Federal Council, you can work in Switzerland even before receiving a final decision on your application for S protection.
What is the maximum waiting time for work authorization for asylum seekers or S-protection holders in Switzerland?
Work authorization is issued within 30 days of application.
What are the minimum wages for border workers with S status in Ticino?
In Ticino, minimum wages vary by sector. For construction, they stand at around CHF 3,350 per month. For the services and trade sectors, the minimum is around CHF 3,200 per month. These amounts are regulated by the SECO and must be respected by Swiss employers.
How long does it take to get work authorization for S status holders?
Work authorization for persons under examination of the S protection application is issued within 30 days of the application. This procedure has been simplified to facilitate rapid integration into the Swiss labour market, with the possibility of renewal.
What are the growing sectors for border guards with S protection in Ticino?
The sectors that benefit most from this new legislation in Ticino include construction, tourism and assistance. Trade and services also offer new opportunities. These areas have a high demand for labor, favoring the integration of workers with S status.

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