Federal program "Support measures for persons with protection status S" (Program S)

On 12 March 2022, the Federal Council activated the protection status S for individuals seeking protection from Ukraine. To ensure that the concerned individuals quickly find a job, undergo training and participate in social life, the Confederation wants to support them. The Federal Council therefore decided on 13 April 2022 to launch the program "Support measures for individuals with protection status S" program. It extended this program S for the first time on 9 November 2022 and for the second time on 1 November 2023.

People seeking protection coming from Ukraine can and should actively participate in social and professional life in Switzerland through integration measures, education and gainful employment and maintain and develop their skills. This will also benefit them with a view to returning home in the future. Integration support is also useful if the stay should last longer (so-called "dual intent" approach).

As under this program S, the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) supports the cantons with a financial contribution of 250 francs per person with protection status S per month (which represents 3000 francs per person per year). Once these people have been attributed to a canton, the implementation of the Program S and the support measures are in principle the responsibility of the cantons. The cantons have the corresponding structures and measures in place within the framework of the cantonal integration programs (KIP/PIC website).

Based on the "Report on Program S - Implementation of support measures for persons with protection status S in spring 2023" of 27 September 2023, the SEM states that program S has proven itself as an instrument for promoting integration according to the so-called "dual intent" approach. In general, the cantons provide the same provisions, processes and measures for persons with protection status S as for refugees and temporarily admitted persons. In accordance with the principle of the Swiss Integration Agenda IAS, the cantons ensure binding support tailored to individual needs.

Last modification 03.01.2024

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