Practice Adjustment Western Ukraine: Overview of First Implementation Phase
What changed
Starting 1 November 2025, Switzerland's State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) changed its policy. The SEM handles migration matters in Switzerland. This change, called "Praxisanpassung Westukraine," now treats Ukrainian regions differently for `Protection Status S`. This is a type of temporary protection for people needing immediate safety. People from seven specific regions in Western Ukraine generally no longer have a right to Protection Status S in Switzerland. These regions are Volyn, Rivne, Lviv, Ternopil, Transcarpathia, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Chernivtsi. This is because Switzerland believes it is reasonable for people to return to these areas due to security. This new rule applies to new applications. It also applies to applications submitted before 1 November 2025, that were still waiting for a decision. By late February, this change directly affected 573 people.
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Policy history
Each version stays exactly as it was published. This one is version 12 and sits in a chain of versions you can read separately.
Mehr Spielraum für Kantone bei Sozialhilfe für Personen mit Schutzstatus Sgoborda provides monitoring and explanation of publicly available policy information. It is not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source or a licensed immigration professional before acting.
Related changes
Protection Status S Extended with New Military Service Compliance Restriction
What changed
The Swiss Federal Council has extended protection status S for people from Ukraine. This status will now last until 4 March 2028. The Council made this decision on 19 August 2026. A new rule also starts on 20 August 2026. New applicants for protection status S must follow their military duties in Ukraine. This rule applies to Ukrainian citizens who are old enough for military service, those on the reserve list, and those who joined the armed forces by choice. This new rule does not affect people who already have protection status S.
Published 19 Aug 2026Effective 20 Aug 2026State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) — Media releases
UK Visas and Immigration Updates Albania Country Policy and Information Notes for Asylum and Human Rights Applications
What changed
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has updated its Country Policy and Information Notes (CPINs) for Albania. These notes help UKVI decide asylum and human rights applications. On 7 April 2026, UKVI replaced the CPIN on domestic violence against women with a new CPIN on gender-based violence. On 17 August 2026, UKVI removed the CPIN on human trafficking from July 2024 because it was old. On 3 October 2025, UKVI updated information about sexual orientation and gender identity. On 21 July 2025, UKVI added a new CPIN about unaccompanied children. On 22 November 2022, UKVI removed information about Roma and Balkan Egyptians.
Published 17 Aug 2026Effective 20 Aug 2026UK Visas and Immigration — News & communications
UK Updates Algeria Country Policy and Information Notes for Asylum and Human Rights Applications, Focusing on SOGI Issues
What changed
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has updated its guidance for asylum and human rights applications about Algeria. It has changed the Country Policy and Information Note (CPIN) about sexual orientation and gender identity. The new CPIN is dated July 2026. It became active on 19 August 2026. This note gives new information about how lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans (LGBT+) people and people of other sexual orientations and gender identities are treated in Algeria. It covers changes since May 2025. This new CPIN replaces the old one on the same topic, which was published in May 2025 and covered information up to that date.
Published 19 Aug 2026Effective 19 Aug 2026UK Visas and Immigration — News & communications
UK Updates Country Policy and Information Notes for Egypt: Christians, Opposition to the State, and Military Service
What changed
UK Visas and Immigration has updated its Country Policy and Information Notes (CPINs) for Egypt. One CPIN about Christians in Egypt was updated on 14 August 2026. A new CPIN, named 'Country policy and information note: opposition to the state, Egypt, March 2026', was added on 9 March 2026. The CPIN about military service in Egypt was updated on 16 June 2025.
Published 14 Aug 2026Effective 14 Aug 2026UK Visas and Immigration — News & communications