Switzerland extends protection status for Ukrainian refugees until spring 2025, plans to provide 40% employment

MOSCOW. Nov 2 (Interfax) - Protection status S for Ukrainian refugees will remain valid until March 4, 2025, since no lasting stabilization is expected in Ukraine, Ukrainian media said, citing the Swiss government website.

The Swiss Federal Council made the decision at a meeting on November 1. It also decided for the first time that 40% of able-bodied persons with protection status S shall be employed by the end of 2024, the report said.

"Promoting employment integration not only serves to reduce social security costs. People from Ukraine, who are seeking protection, can and should actively participate in public life through integration measures, education and employment, and maintain and develop skills with a view to returning home in the future," it said.

The Swiss Federal Council activated protection status S for Ukrainian refugees on March 12, 2022. The status was provided to about 66,000 Ukrainians as of the end of October 2023.