Switzerland: from 20 August 2026 status S only for those who fulfilled military obligations; existing S holders are not affected

CORRECTION 23.10.2026 The previous version said the announcement did not mention existing status S holders. SEM states explicitly that the new rule does not affect them. [2] WHAT CHANGED From 20 August 2026 protection status S is granted only to people who have fulfilled their military obligations in Ukraine, where applicable — in particular people of conscription age, reservists and volunteers for the Ukrainian armed forces. [1] WHO IS AFFECTED The rule applies to all new applications submitted on or after 20 August 2026 and does not affect people who already hold status S. Each application is assessed case by case. [2] WHAT TO DO People whose application for protection was rejected can still apply for asylum in Switzerland. [3] VERBATIM FROM THE SOURCE (English) [1] “From 20 August 2026, protection status S will be granted only to people who have fulfilled their military obligations in Ukraine, where applicable. This applies in particular to people of conscription age, reservists, and those who have volunteered for the Ukrainian armed forces.” [2] “The new regulation applies to all new applications submitted on or after 20 August 2026 and does not affect people who already hold protection status S. Each application will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.” [3] “Persons whose application for protection has been rejected are still free to apply for asylum in Switzerland.” Source: SEM — https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home/sem/aktuell/ukraine-krieg.html Quotes checked against the official source on 23.10.2026.