Ukrainians in Ticino, the S Permit between aid and uncertainties
The S Permit has been granted to approximately 70,000 people in Switzerland, while the Ticino region hosts around 3,000 Ukrainian refugees
Contesto
Ukrainians in Ticino, the S Permit between aid and uncertainties The S Permit was introduced by the Federal Assembly in the 1990s during the Balkan wars but was never applied until 2022, when it was activated as a measure for victims of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. After registering with the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), applicants receive a one-year protection status, which can be renewed. Special attention is given to unaccompanied minors, for whom specific guardianship mechanisms are activated, including the appointment of a legal representative. The Canton has faced logistical challenges due to the high number of arrivals. Many Swiss families have thus hosted Ukrainian minors through cantonal programs. Numerous refugees have found accommodation thanks to the Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations. For example, in Lugano, the most populous city in the Canton, over 1,200 Ukrainian refugees have been welcomed, while in Bellinzona, the capital, over 500 asylum seekers have been registered. After the three interviews in the 'Ripartenze'* series, it is useful to provide an updated overview of the social support system in Switzerland. Is Ukraine a safe country? Recently, the Federal Parliament recognized some regions of western Ukraine as relatively safe and less threatened by the Russian invasion. This assessment led to the rejection of 104 asylum applications from people originating from these areas (Volyn, Rivne, Lviv, Ternopil, Zakarpattia, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Chernivtsi). However, the reality on the ground remains complex. The humanitarian problems caused by Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, as well as drone and missile raids—including those targeting civilian trains—have not disappeared and continue to significantly impact daily life...
Dettagli operativi
Ukrainians in Ticino, the S Permit between help and unknowns The S Permit lasts up to five years. At the end, the possibility - not automatic - of switching to other residence permits opens up. The social support system in Switzerland is complex and requires a careful evaluation of the requirements of each applicant. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) is responsible for managing asylum applications and assigning the S Permit. The Canton of Bellinzona has set up a specialized office for the reception and integration of asylum seekers. The office collaborates with humanitarian organizations and associations to provide assistance and support to Ukrainian refugees. In addition, the Canton has implemented a support program for the integration of unaccompanied minors. The program provides for the appointment of a legal representative and the provision of social and educational services. The cantonal offices of Migration and Worship and International Treaties of the Canton of Bellinzona are involved in the management of asylum procedures and the assignment of the S Permit. The social support system in Switzerland is complex and requires a careful evaluation of the requirements of each applicant. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) is responsible for managing asylum applications and assigning the S Permit. Under the federal law of December 16, 2005 (LSA), asylum seekers must submit their asylum application within 15 days of their arrival in Switzerland. Asylum seekers who do not submit their asylum application within the established deadline may be expelled from Swiss territory. The Canton of Bellinzona has already welcomed over 1,000 Ukrainian asylum seekers since the outbreak of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Of these, around 70% have been assigned...
Punti chiave
Ukrainians in Ticino, the S Permit between aid and uncertainties For Ukrainian refugees in Ticino, the S Permit represents a concrete opportunity to start anew. However, the path is uncertain and marked by challenges of integration, obstacles in the job market, and pending political decisions. It is essential that refugees know how to access available services and how to use the S Permit to integrate into Ticinese society. The special office for reception and integration of asylum seekers in the Canton of Bellinzona is a fundamental reference point for Ukrainian refugees. The office provides assistance and support to refugees to help them integrate into local society. In addition, the office collaborates with humanitarian organizations and associations to provide social and educational services to unaccompanied minors. The cantonal offices of Migration and International Treaties in the Canton of Bellinzona are involved in the management of asylum procedures and the assignment of the S Permit. According to data from the Federal Statistical Office (2022), over 5,000 Ukrainian refugees have been welcomed in the Canton of Ticino. Of these, approximately 60% has been assigned to Lugano, while 20% has been assigned to Bellinzona. The special office for reception and integration of asylum seekers in the Canton of Bellinzona has worked with over 1,000 Ukrainian refugees in 2022, providing assistance and support to help them integrate into local society. The S Permit is a document that allows refugees to work and study in Switzerland. To obtain the S Permit, refugees must submit a request to the Migration Office of the Canton of Ticino. The request must be submitted within 6 months of entry into Switzerland. Refugees must also undergo an interview with a Migration Office off...