Temporary protection (S)

Information on temporary protection, "Status S" in connection with the war in Ukraine in 2022

1.       What is temporary protection (status S)?

On March 15, 2022, the government adopted the Ordinance on Temporary Protection for Certain Groups of Persons from Ukraine (Ukraine Protection Ordinance). The Ukraine Protection Ordinance came into force on March 16, 2022. This gives all persons who belong to the group defined in the Ukraine Protection Ordinance a temporary right of residence in Liechtenstein. These persons do not undergo a regular asylum procedure. This eases the burden on the asylum system and people quickly have clarity about their residence status in Liechtenstein.

2.       Who can apply for S status?

• Ukrainian nationals seeking protection who were resident in Ukraine before February 24, 2022; Ukrainian nationals seeking protection who were already legally resident in Liechtenstein before February 24, 2022 have the same status;
• persons of other nationalities seeking protection and stateless persons seeking protection who had an international or national protection status in Ukraine before February 24, 2022 and cannot return to their home countries or countries of origin in safety and permanently;
• persons of other nationalities seeking protection and stateless persons seeking protection who can prove with a residence permit that they had a valid right of residence in Ukraine on February 24, 2022 and cannot return to their home countries or countries of origin in safety and permanently;

In order to be granted protection status, you must belong to one of the aforementioned groups and there must be no grounds for exclusion (Art. 3 Ukraine Protection Ordinance).

Persons seeking protection who already have valid protection status in an EU country do not meet the requirements for being granted protection status in Liechtenstein. The same applies to persons who have a valid residence permit in an EU country.

Please note that pending protection proceedings in another EU member state can also lead to the invalidity of the application for protection in Liechtenstein.

3.       How can I apply for S status?

If you are already in Liechtenstein, please contact us in advance by telephone at: +423 236 61 41 or by e-mail to [email protected] to make an appointment to submit your application.

You can also report in person to the Migration and Passport Office (APA) during counter opening hours and to the National Police outside of opening hours. Waiting times may occur for reports without an appointment.

To register, you must appear in person and an entry interview will be conducted. Among other things, information will be handed over, your personal details recorded, fingerprints taken and checks made in databases. In addition, your existing identity and travel documents and assets will be secured as a first step in accordance with the provisions of the Asylum Act (AsylG) and the Asylum Ordinance (AsylV).

4.       How do I receive the decision on S status?

The APA will issue a written decision granting you protection status. At the same time, you will receive an S permit, which provides information about your status. This is limited to a maximum of one year and can be extended. You will also receive your original travel documents back with the S permit.

5.       What are my legal rights and obligations with S status?

Persons with temporary protection (S) have largely the same rights as asylum seekers and temporarily admitted persons.

They receive welfare benefits in accordance with the AsylA and AsylO, pocket money, accommodation and care and the premiums and cost sharing incurred within the framework of compulsory health insurance are covered. The protection status allows school-age children to attend school and adults to pursue gainful employment. As with other asylum seekers, wage concessions and the approval of the APA for gainful employment must be obtained. They may travel within the Schengen area and return to Liechtenstein with the S permit and a valid recognized passport without special permission from the Migration and Passport Office. Trips lasting longer than 14 days must be reported to the APA.

6.       Do persons with S status have to move to the reception center?

No. They can continue to live with relatives or acquaintances. However, any rental costs will not be covered. However, they will receive the welfare and support services mentioned above.

7.       Why is S status temporary?

The temporary protection status is a return-oriented residence status. If the situation improves significantly, it is envisaged that the government will revoke the grant of protection and allow a return to Ukraine.

8.       How many people from Ukraine will be admitted?

Liechtenstein is prepared to participate in the admission of Ukrainians in a spirit of solidarity. There are no quotas for this.

9.       Can I lose my temporary protection status again?

The temporary protection expires, among other things, if you move the center of your life abroad, i.e. leave Liechtenstein for a longer period of time, or if you renounce the temporary protection. In addition, revocation proceedings will be initiated if there are grounds for revocation under the Asylum Act.

(APA / September 2023)