The Swiss Federal Council has launched a public consultation on plans to prevent people in the asylum system from traveling abroad, in line with rules previously adopted by Parliament.
Under the proposal, asylum seekers, provisionally admitted persons, and individuals granted temporary protection would no longer be allowed to leave Switzerland, except in narrowly defined circumstances authorized by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
A press release from the Federal Office for Spatial Development (ARE) explained how the ban applies not just to their countries of origin but to all Schengen countries, effectively limiting their free movement across Europe.
The only general exception will apply to refugees from Ukraine who hold the temporary “S” protection status, the Federal Council said in a statement issued in Bern on Wednesday. These individuals will continue to be allowed to travel abroad, although their permitted stays in Ukraine will be limited to 15 days per half-year, down from the current 15 days per quarter.
The restrictions stem from legislative reforms passed by Swiss lawmakers in December 2021, which amended the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration. Their implementation was delayed following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, which led to a refugee crisis across Europe.
The Federal Council said several orders will now be amended to implement the new rules, including provisions defining the “specific personal reasons” under which SEM may grant exceptional travel authorization. Such exceptions could apply, for instance, to those needing to visit another country to prepare for voluntary return or permanent resettlement.
Other exceptions include travel for work purposes or compassionate leave due to the death or serious illness of a family member.
The consultation on the proposed ordinances and special regulations will remain open until February next year.
