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Switzerland Moves to Bar Asylum Seekers From Travel With Limited Ukrainian Exception

The government is implementing a parliamentary mandate through new regulations due in 2026.

Overview

  • Asylum applicants would be generally prohibited from leaving Switzerland, with departures allowed only in defined exceptional cases.
  • The planned rules cover trips to home countries and third states and would also apply to provisionally admitted and other protection‑seeking people.
  • Exceptions of up to 30 days are envisioned for emergencies such as the death or serious illness of close relatives and for travel tied to preparing a return, including property, school or work matters, or civil‑status issues.
  • Ukrainians under temporary protection may spend up to 15 days per half‑year in Ukraine, with the Federal Department of Justice and Police tasked to formalize this carve‑out.
  • UNHCR has criticized the plan as disproportionate and says it overlooks families split across borders, while media note Germany generally permits third‑country travel for asylum seekers.