Overview
Solidarité Ukraine in Geneva
What assistance for Ukrainians fleeing their country ?
- Assistance for Ukrainians - Federal State secretariat for migration (SEM)
- Host families for refugee persons from Ukraine (OSAR) - Organisation suisse d'aide aux réfugiés / Swiss Refugee Council (OSAR) (in French or German)
- Ukrainian refugees with dogs or cats Federal food safety and veterinary office (FSVO)
Human trafficking
Victim or witness of human traficking : who to contact (in French)
Human trafficking and other forms of abuse : Protect yourself!
Information on the situation in Ukraine
- Questions and answers of the SEM regarding the war in Ukraine - Federal State secretariat for migration (SEM)
- Russian invasion in Ukraine - Office fédéral de la protection de la population
- To be informed in case of danger, download Alertswiss
Solidarity with Ukraine
To address the massive upcoming humanitarian crisis, the canton of Geneva has set up a welcome and assistance system. It is also appealing to the population for support in order to :
- Provide accommodation for persons coming from Ukraine
- Make donations in cash or in kind
- Become a volunteer to help the aid network
Applying for protection status and the S permit
It is important for people from Ukraine to apply for an S permit, as it entitles them to the following benefits and facilities:
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Step 1: applying for protection
- Persons from Ukraine who wish to apply for protection in Switzerland must go to a Federal centre for asylum seekers (FCA) with procedural tasks, where their application will be processed.
- Persons who already have an address in Switzerland and an identity document must make an appointment directly at RegisterMe for registration in a FCA. They will receive a link to download a train ticket to the FCA. The return ticket will be given ton them when they leave the FCA.
- They must in principle present themselves in person at the FCA. It is not possible to be represented by somebody else.
- If the person concerned is in possession of a biometric passport, it must be brought along. If the applicant does not have a biometric passport, he/she will be asked to prove his/her Ukrainian citizenship by other documents or means.
Federal centre for asylum seekers (FCA)
MZH Sand-Schönbühl
Moosstrasse 28
3322 Urtenen-Schönbühl
- Once the application for protection has been registered, the person concerned will be allocated accommodation in a canton. If the asylum seeker was already living in a private household and is willing and able to stay there, he or she may return to that household and be assigned to the corresponding canton.
Step 2: Persons allocated to the canton of Geneva
- Persons referred to the canton of Geneva must report to the Hospice général:
 | Centre administratif du Bouchet Accueil Ukraine
Mon-Fri Open 8h30-16h00 non-stop
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- They will receive all necessary assistance: accommodation (if they do not already have housing), health insurance, financial assistance, as well as confirmation of the date and time of their appointment to provide the required data for their S permit.
Step 3: Issuing the S permit
- The S permit is issued in a credit card format. It involves taking the following biometric data: photo and signature.
- All concerned persons are invited to present themselves without an appointment at the dedicated counter of the Office cantonal de la population et des migrations (Cantonal Office of Population and Migration).
 | Office cantonal de la population et des migrations Route de Chancy 88 Reception hours : Monday - Wednesday and Thursday 9h-11h30
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- Applicants must show up with the following documents: the laissez-passer issued by the FCA; the decision of the Federal migration secretariat (SEM) granting temporary protection status and their passport (or any other document proving their identity).
- The S permit is sent directly by registered mail within 5 to 7 working days to the address of the person concerned.
FAQ on protection status and S permit
Who may benefit from the S protection status?
The S protection status will be granted to :
- Ukrainian citizens seeking protection and their family members (partners, minor children and other close relatives whom they were fully or partially supporting at the time of escape) who resided in Ukraine before 24 February 2022;
- Persons of other nationalities and stateless persons seeking protection and their family members (as listed above) who had national or international protection status in Ukraine before 24 February 2022;
- Persons of other nationalities and stateless persons seeking protection and their family members (as listed above) who can prove via a valid short-term or residence permit that they had a legitimate right to reside in Ukraine and who are unable to return to their country of origin on a safe and sustainable basis.
S status will not be granted to persons who have already obtained protection status in another EU state (Directive 2001/55/EC).
What is the S protection status?
The S protection status provides collective protection to a defined group of persons during the duration of a serious threat.
The S protection status entitles someone to a right to stay as well as a right to have access to accommodation, assistance and medical care. It allows for family reunification and children may attend school.
For more information : The federal state secretariat for migration "S protection status Fact sheet" (currently available only in French, German and Italian):
- Fiche d’information « Statut de protection S »
- Faktenblatt «Schutzstatus S»
- Scheda informativa «status di protezione S»
What is the duration of the protection afforded by the S permit?
The S permit is valid for 1 year. It can be extended for a maximum total of 5 years. If after 5 years the protection status has not been lifted by the federal authorities, a person in need of protection receives a residence permit (permit B).
Is a person with protection status S allowed to work?
Persons who have been granted provisional protection status S may engage in gainful employment or self-employment in Switzerland on condition that they announce the activity.
Every time an employee enters the labor force, changes employer or ceases to work, he is required to make a prior announcement. Wage and working conditions must be in accordance with the customs of the place, profession and branch concerned.
- Ukrainian nationals who were temporarily staying in Switzerland for a trip not subject to authorisation (e.g. tourism) may apply for protection in Switzerland (S permit) in a Federal Asylum Centre (FAC).
- People who do not wish to apply for protection can apply for a national visa (D visa) to legalise their sojourn.
Is a person with S status allowed to travel?
Ukrainian nationals holding a biometric passport may continue to travel within the Schengen area without a visa for 90 days within a period of 180 days. The S residence permit in itself is not a recognised travel document. Ukrainians holding non-biometric passports and third-country nationals who have obtained an S permit should contact the consulates of the countries they intend to visit before travelling abroad to clarify entry requirements.
Can a person who has obtained the S status in Switzerland reside in France?
No. People who have obtained an S permit in Switzerland cannot reside in France.
Is a person who has been granted S status authorised to relocate to another canton?
Requests to relocate to another canton must be submitted in writing to the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) in accordance with the information given under the last item in the section "Cantonal allocation".
Registering children in school
Are you in contact with a refugee family in Geneva? Would you like to help them register their children in school? In accordance with the canton of Geneva's commitment to humanitarian assistance, all children and young people coming from Ukraine are entitled to attend school, regardless of their legal status.
- For all questions related to the registration of pupils in compulsory education (4-15 years): T. 022 327 04 82 (office hours); E-mail: admissions.ukraine@etat.ge.ch
- For all questions related to the registration of pupils in secondary II education (16-18 years): T. 022 388 12 60 (office hours)
For questions related to solidarity actions towards displaced persons from Ukraine: Solidarité Ukraine or the Green Line "Solidarité Ukraine": T. 0800 900 995.
Access to employment for people with an S permit
Persons who have been granted provisional protection status S may engage in gainful employment or self-employment in Switzerland on condition that they announce the activity.
Every time an employee enters the labor force, changes employer or ceases to work, he is required to make a prior announcement. Wage and working conditions must be in accordance with the customs of the place, profession and branch concerned.
Announcement of gainful activity
The employer or independent person, whose place of business is in Geneva, must report the online activity on the EasyGOV Confederation platform, after having created an account if necessary : EasyGov
Individuals and businesses without access to EasyGov can submit their ads using this form.
People who have obtained protection status in France are not allowed to work in Switzerland (it is not possible to obtain a cross-border work permit).
Teleworking
Persons with an S permit who are teleworking for a foreign employer (e.g. for their previous employer in their country of origin) or who are continuing their existing self-employed activity without influencing the Swiss labour market do not need to announce their activity.
Access to health care and health information
| Life-threatening emergency | 144 |
| Non life threatening emergency |
Adults Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) HUG emergency room Rue Gabrielle-Perret Gentil 2 7j/7 - 24h/24
Children Paediatric emergencies Avenue de la Roseraie 47 7j/7 - 24h/24
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| Psychological support |
Young people Telephone line: 147 7j/7 - 24h/24 By phone, SMS, chat or e-mail
Adults Telephone line: 143 7j/7 - 24h/24 By phone, SMS, chat or e-mail
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General health consultation guidelines
All persons coming from Ukraine are strongly encouraged to have a health screening consultation. The earlier care is provided, the better it is for one' s health.
Geneva's healthcare system looks after new incomers to the canton.
As soon as S permits have been issued, newly arrived adult refugee may benefit from the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) migrant health programme (PSM), which provides a health assessment consultation to all and the HUG-SAMI paediatric consultation centre will do the same for children aged 0 to 17.
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To make an appointment with the PSM (adults) Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4 |
To make an appointment with the SAMI (children 0-17 yrs) MON-FRI ¦ 9h-11h30 and 13h30-17h. |
After arrival in Geneva | Bouchet reception desk
Since May, when registering at the Bouchet reception of the Hospice General, the nursing staff of the HUG Migrant Health Programme (PSM) are on site to perform a quick assessment of the health needs of all persons coming from Ukraine. This initial assessment is strongly encouraged as it will ensure that the necessary decisions are made quickly to maintain the health of the newcomers.
The nursing staff will be able to issue a prescription when a patient is in need of a treatment that he/she regularly takes.
For children aged 0 to 17 years (SAMI)
Children up to 17 years included are taken care of by the HUG-SAMI paediatric consultation centre (SAMI).
HUG paediatric consultation centre
Hôpital des enfants, rue Willy-Donzé 6
1205 Geneva
T. 079 553 42 52
Paediatricians and doctors provide systematic consultation for all children and adolescents and refer them within the health care system for follow-up.
A child health brochure exists in French, English, Ukrainian and Russian.
- The health of your child
- La santé de votre enfant - French
- Здоров'я вашої дитини - Ukrainian
- Здоровье вашего ребенка - Russian
For adults as of 18 years - PSM
HUG Migrant health program (PSM) - Consultation in Geneva University Hospitals
T. 022 372 03 63
MON-FRI ¦ 9h-11h30 and 13h30-17h.
On Wednesdays: only from 13h30-17h
The PSM medical staff systematically carries out at the Bouchet reception of the Hospice General a first assessment of the physical and psychological state of health. If necessary, a medical follow-up is set up.
The PSM can provide psychological support. It also refers people to specialist doctors according to their needs, for example to a gynaecologist for check-ups in the event of pregnancy, to a cardiologist, a diabetologist or to psychiatric care.
The HUG also offers a consultation for victims of torture and war (CTG) with specialist doctors and psychologists. It is not always necessary to go there; the need for a CTG consultation is assessed with the PSM medical staff.
Waiting period for an appointment
For systematic nursing consultations at the HUG Migrant health program (PSM) and the HUG paediatric consultation centre (SAMI) : expect a delay of about 15 days.
For nursing consultations at the PSM, depending on the type of problem, the secretariat will do its best to respond to each person's request.
Children from 0 to 17 years are invited by telephone or SMS for an appointment in the weeks or months following their arrival in Geneva (depending on their age and pre-existing health problems). There is also a specific consultation for adolescents. Depending on the age of the child, he or she may be referred there.
Please bring your vaccination booklet if you have one with you to any appointment
Language translation of consultations
A person coming from Ukraine may be accompanied by a relative who will assist and translate for him/her.
If there is a language barrier and a person is not accompanied, the HUG will resort to interpretors via the services of Connexxion and the Geneva Red Cross. The HUG work with interpreters in a trialogue to ensure smooth communication and mutual understanding during consultations. The interpreter acts as a link between the patient and the doctor/nurse/psychologist.
Medicare and the canton of Geneva cover the cost of care.
Healthcare and follow-up, including mental health consultations, are free for people who have applied for an S permit
People without an S permit, i.e. without health insurance, may also benefit from free care at the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG).
Acting quickly reduces damaging impacts on health.
Regular vaccination against COVID-19 is possible at the HUG. The nursing staff of the HUG migrant health programme (PSM), the HUG-SAMI paediatric consultation centre and the HUG Youth Health Unit systematically offers them during the health assessment appointment.
Vaccination against COVID-19 in Geneva
- Vaccination against COVID-19 is strongly recommended in Switzerland for adults.
- Children from 5 to 17 years old may also be vaccinated.
- At the HUG, vaccination is free for everyone, including people who do not have an S permit.
Vaccination for people without an S permit
Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 2-4
Bus : 1,5,7 ou 35 _ Arrêt : Hôpital
T. 022 372 03 94
Mon, Tue, Thu, Frid : 9h-17h
Wed : 9h-12h
Documents to provide:
- ID card
- Vaccination booklet if possible
- Telephone number
Vaccination for people with an S permit (with a prior appointment)
One may make an appointment for vaccination by sending an email to vaccination.CMU@hcuge.ch in English, French, Ukrainian or Russian including the following details:
- First name and last name
- Date of birth
- Mobile phone number
- Email address
- Information on vaccination history against COVID-19 (which vaccine? date of vaccination, etc.)
Email requests are processed 3 times a week. It may therefore take a few days before you receive an answer.
Most common health problems affecting people coming from Ukraine
People arriving in Geneva are currently mainly women with children and elderly people. The following health issues are therefore frequent:
- Chronic diseases in elderly people (diabetes, hypertension, etc.) which could be worsened by a temporary lack of medication.
- Mild infectious diseases in children (gastroenteritis, nasopharyngitis) and updating of their vaccinations.
- Possible cases of COVID 19, but full vaccination and/or booster shots will be systematically offered to arrivals.
- Gynaecological needs for pregnant women.
- And above all, for all persons, important mental health needs due to exposure to trauma. Trauma may be primarily related to the bombings, scenes of war or caused secondarily through exposure to news found on social networks and in the media or when receiving bad news concerning close relatives. Such events generate acute stress that can develop into post-traumatic stress and require psychological support, including preventive support, which consists of explaining to people what the symptoms are. Acute reactions to bereavement are also very likely, with the added difficulty of distance and the inability to attend funerals.
- Increased use of tobacco and other substances (e.g. alcohol) is also possible as a form of 'self-stress management'. It is important to refer persons who appear to be using these substances to health services and again to support persons with stress symptoms in order to limit the use of these substances.
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MM-Mobile Health Check questionnaire In the interests of their health, people seeking protection are advised to complete the electronic MM-Mobile health check questionnaireavailable on the federal website in several languages including Ukrainian and Russian. After doing so, a person seeking protection will receive a note as to whether it is necessary to consult a doctor. The opportunity to complete the questionnaire is offered to all persons seeking protection at registration. |
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is present in Ukraine but this doesn't imply that all people coming from Ukraine are infected with TB bacteria. However, in order to reduce the risk, all children over 6 months old coming from Ukraine will be tested.
It is recommended to make an appointment for a consultation at the PSM (022 372 03 63), for all people who:
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HIV and hepatitis
For people with HIV and/or hepatitis, it is important to know that this does not have any negative impact on the residence status. It is therefore useful to declare your status in order to be referred to the appropriate services.
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Sexual and reproductive health
For questions related to sexual and reproductive health, you can consult the following documents available in French, Ukrainian or Russian : |
If you are a victim, witness or perpetrator of psychological, physical, sexual and/or economic violence
You may contact either :
In case of emergencies, call 117 (police) or 144 (medical emergencies).
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People arriving with their pet dog or cat ?
People arriving from Ukraine with their pet dog or cat must declare it via the Travelling with Pets form available on the federal website which should be completed and sent to: petsukraine@blv.admin.ch. This is to ensure that the animal's vaccinations and documents are up to date.
Accommodation in the Canton of Geneva with a pet may be complicated.
Must one take iodine tablets in Switzerland?
Iodine tablets as a protective measure for the population in Switzerland are primarily intended to be taken in the event of an accident in a Swiss nuclear power plant or in a neighbouring country.
In the current situation, there is no need to take iodine tablets. Given the distance between Switzerland and the Ukraine, it is highly unlikely that iodine tablets would be needed in Switzerland.
Protection of the Geneva population
| Swiss Confederation | Canton of Geneva | FAQ |
Regarding potential food supplies and basic commodities, the federal government states that, regardless of the current situation, Swiss households should always stock up on emergency supplies.
Information line
An information line is available to answer your questions: 022 427 47 47
Useful links
- To obtain information quickly, in case of danger, download Alertswiss
- War in Ukraine - Federal Office of Civil Protection (FOCP)
- Ukraine – FAQ on national economic supplies (website currently available in French, German and Italian) - Federal Office for National Economic Supplies (FONES)
Extension of the S permit
For whom
You hold an S permit that is about to expire.
When
Approximately one month before the expiry date of your permit, you will receive a letter: "Notice of expiry - request for extension of permit S" ("Avis d'échéance - demande de prolongation du livret S").
If you have a representative, the letter is sent to him or her.
All you have to do is follow the instructions to apply for an extension of your permit.
If you have not received a letter when your permit expires, you must go in person to the reception desk of the protection, asylum and return service.
Attachments
Please submit the following documents to extend your permit:
- The expiry notice duly completed;
- Colour photocopy of your passport.
If you have changed your address, please include the:
To ensure that you receive our mail, please check that:
- Your name (as it appears on your passport) is clearly marked on your letterbox.
- If you are living in someone else's home, you have indicated the name of this person (as it appears on their letter box) by filling in the "C/O" section on the OCPM form.
Price
Extending the permit is free of charge.
Apply for an extension of the S permit
Return the duly completed expiry notice by post to the following address:
OCPM
Asylum office
P.O. Box 2652
1211 Geneva 2
Or come in person to the reception desk of the Protection, Asylum and Return Service (SPAR):
Route de Chancy 90
1213 Onex
Contact us
Email: ocpm.ukraine@etat.ge.ch
Tél: +41 22 546 49 02