The Swiss government has decided that Ukrainian citizens who enjoy protection status S can continue to travel abroad and return to Switzerland without the need for special travel permits.
The decision was made known on Wednesday, November 11th by the Swiss Federal Council, which has approved a proposal for changing the Law for Foreign and Integration.
According to Swiss authorities, this particular regulation aims to preserve freedom of travel for those from Ukraine who have received defence status S, writes SwissinfoIt’s transemitegraphy.
They can stay up to 90 days within a period of 180 days in the Schengen area, without visas, if they own biometric passports.
However, there is a limit to travel to Ukraine: staying there cannot spend 15 days within a six – month period.
Meanwhile, the strictest rules are expected to be implemented for asylum seekers and persons temporarily accepted in Switzerland. These categories will be allowed to travel abroad only on special occasions and with authorization from competent authorities.
According to the Federal Council, the special regulation for Ukrainians will remain in force as long as defence status continues to exist.
The proposed changes will now be passed to parliament for review.
Switzerland had decided that the status S for Ukrainian refugees will continue until at least March 4th, 2028. /Telegraphy/