Overview
- Bern announced it will amend ordinances to bar most outbound travel by people seeking asylum, with the rules slated to take effect in 2026.
- The prohibition will generally cover trips to home countries and third countries, allowing only narrow exceptions.
- Ukrainians under Switzerland’s temporary protection may spend up to 15 days per half‑year in Ukraine under a specific carve‑out.
- The Federal Council has tasked the Federal Department of Justice and Police to draft the legal basis for the Ukrainian exception, which remains until that protection status ends.
- UNHCR has criticized the planned restrictions as disproportionate and not responsive to the needs of refugee families separated across different countries.