Ukrainians in Ticino, the S Permit between aid and uncertainties (cross-border guide)
The S Permit has been granted to approximately 70,000 people in Switzerland, while the Ticino region hosts around 3,000 Ukrainian refugees
Context
TL;DR
- Ukrainians in Ticino receive S Permit for protection
- Ticino hosts 3,000 Ukrainian refugees with 10M CHF support
- S Permit allows work and access to social services
Key facts
- S Permit introduction: 1990s during Balkan wars, activated in 2022 for Ukraine
- S Permit duration: Up to five years, renewable
- Ukrainian refugees in Ticino: Around 3,000 as of current data
- Funding for refugees: 10 million francs allocated by Canton, 5M for social assistance, 3M for economic aid
- Asylum application deadline: Within 15 days of arrival in Switzerland
- Unaccompanied minors: Special guardianship mechanisms and legal representatives appointed
- Safe regions in Ukraine: Western regions like Volyn, Rivne, Lviv, etc., recognized as relatively safe
- Rejected asylum applications: 104 from relatively safe regions in western Ukraine
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.
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Operational details
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.
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Key points
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How many Ukrainians have received the S Permit in Switzerland and how many have been welcomed in Ticino?
- Around 70,000 people have received the S Permit in Switzerland, with around 3,000 Ukrainian refugees welcomed in Ticino, including over 1,200 in Lugano and over 500 in Bellinzona.
- How long does the S Permit last for Ukrainian refugees in Switzerland?
- The S Permit is valid for one year and can be renewed.
- How are Ukrainian unaccompanied minors protected in Ticino?
- Specific protection mechanisms are activated, including the appointment of a legal representative, and the canton has created a team of experts for their protection.
- How much funds has Ticino allocated to support Ukrainian refugees and how are they distributed?
- Ticino has allocated 10 million francs, of which 5 million for social assistance and 3 million for economic assistance.
- Why have some Ukrainian refugees had their asylum applications rejected in Switzerland?
- Because they come from regions of western Ukraine considered 'relatively safe' by the federal parliament, such as Volhynia, Rivne, Lviv, Ternopil, Transcarpathia, Ivano-Frankivsk and Chernivtsi.