Swiss Cantons Brace For Millions In Costs For Ukrainian Refugees

2026-06-05 02:12:29

(MENAFN- Swissinfo) Cantons and municipalities are warning of substantial additional costs as Ukrainians with protection status S begin transitioning to regular social assistance from 2027. Nationwide, the extra burden is estimated at around CHF300 million ($380 million). Select your language

Generated with artificial intelligence. Listening: Swiss cantons brace for millions in costs for Ukrainian refugees This content was published on June 5, 2026 - 11:56 4 minutes

Русский ru Кантоны готовятся к миллионным расходам на украинских беженцев Read more: Кантоны готовятся к миллионным расходам на украинских беж

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“Without federal support, this would add about three percent to our municipal tax rate,” said Bruno Tüscher, mayor of Münchwilen, canton Aargau, highlighting the stakes.

From 2027, the first people with protected refugee status S will transition to regular social assistance. The bill will be passed on to the cantons and municipalities. Nationwide, they expect additional costs of around CHF300 million.

Several cantons have already quantified the impact. In Aargau, municipalities expect additional costs of around CHF25 million and are pressing for clarity as 2027 budgets are prepared.

+ Swiss refugee pivot for Ukrainian refugees raises doubts

Graubünden estimates that about 900 refugees could switch to regular welfare, costing CHF5.4 million annually – CHF 2.2 million of that in the city of Chur alone.

“And that's a best-case scenario. I expect that this figure will unfortunately have to be revised upwards,” says city councilor Patrik Degiacomi of the Social Democratic Party.
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