IntegraS 2025: ongoing dialogue on refugee integration and employment in Switzerland

On 6 December 2025, in University of Zurich (Switzerland) the forum took place IntegraS 2025 – a professional cross-sector platform dedicated to the professional integration of Ukrainians in Switzerland. The event brought together representatives State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), cantonal authorities, businesses, civil society organisations, and the Ukrainian diaspora with the aim of fostering an open and meaningful dialogue on the key issue: What future awaits Ukrainians in Switzerland and how real integration into Swiss society is possible.

The forum became a space for honest dialogue between government agencies, the labour market, the education sector, employers and Ukrainians themselves – a multi-faceted exchange of experiences, within which both the successes and challenges of the labour integration process were outlined from an individual and societal perspective. The main focus was on shared responsibility for short- and medium-term optimisation measures, as well as on the formation of a long-term strategy.

Organiser of the forum IntegraS 2025 spoke VIDNOVA Swiss-Ukrainian Association in partnership with NGO USB, as well as Swiss and Ukrainian institutions. The event was supported by cantonal authorities, experts and a team of volunteers.
President of VIDNOVA, initiator and organiser of the forum Olesya Tarasenko, emphasised: «IntegraS is about responsible integration, dialogue and the future. We are not talking about abstract processes, but about specific tools that are already helping people in Switzerland to build a professional, systematic and dignified life.».

Within the framework of the forum IntegraS 2025 Representatives of Swiss federal and cantonal institutions, the university and education sector, labour market experts, employers, psychologists, as well as Ukrainian specialists with practical experience in building professional careers, acquiring Swiss qualifications and working in local companies gave presentations and expert comments. This allowed for the creation of a practical and applied framework for the event participants.

The forum considered the integration of Ukrainians in Switzerland not only as a social process, but also as investment in human capital, which will play a key role in the process of Ukraine's recovery, as well as in the implementation of European and Swiss standards. Particular attention was paid to providing information on professional integration, actively shaping this process, acquiring practical skills, and supporting the certification of education and professional experience according to Swiss standards as a basis for further professional mobility and participation in the reconstruction of Ukraine. IntegraS positions Ukrainians as potential specialists for Swiss companies that will participate in the reconstruction of Ukraine and the implementation of joint economic and infrastructure projects in the future.

Key results and substantive conclusions of the forum

Legal and migration context. Representatives of the migration services confirmed that protection status S remains stable as long as the situation in Ukraine is dangerous. At the same time, the state expects an increase in the level of independence of persons with S status, primarily through education, vocational training and employment.
Labour market and employment. Labour market experts emphasised that Ukrainians have good chances of finding employment in Switzerland. The greatest demand for labour is currently in the areas of care, logistics, gastronomy, manufacturing and IT. Knowledge of the language is an important prerequisite. Working in the primary labour market, internships and entry-level positions have been identified as the fastest route to employment.
Education and recognition of qualifications. Representatives of universities and educational authorities focused on issues related to the recognition of diplomas and special support programmes. It was emphasised that Ukrainians have a strong academic background, but successful integration requires an understanding of the structure of the Swiss education system and a willingness to take additional courses and obtain certifications.
Psychosocial stability. Psychologists drew attention to the exhaustion and prolonged stress experienced by Ukrainian families. It was emphasised that these multiple burdens must be taken into account in the integration process, and that psychological support for stabilisation and activation of internal resources is a basic condition for successful integration.
The employers' perspective. Employers shared successful examples of cooperation with Ukrainian specialists and emphasised their motivation, responsibility and willingness to learn. The key recommendation was not to be afraid of the first steps and to build a professional career gradually.
Ukrainian stories of integration. Ukrainian speakers shared their own, often difficult but honest, paths to integration. Internships, volunteer work and participation in communities facilitate the transition from survival to personal and professional development.

Forum IntegraS 2025 agreed on a common position: Ukrainians can build a stable and dignified life in Switzerland. At the same time, this path requires language adaptation, personal initiative, education, employment and mutual support. In the long term, there are also plans to train specialists who have experience working in Swiss companies, are familiar with local quality, management and safety standards, and are able to participate in joint Swiss-Ukrainian projects in the process of Ukraine's recovery.

After the forum IntegraS 2025 team VIDNOVA Swiss-Ukrainian Association has begun preparing the next practical steps aimed at strengthening the integration of Ukrainians in Switzerland and building human capital for future recovery processes in Ukraine. Key areas for further work include:

preparation of analytical materials and final recommendations based on the results of the forum;
development of educational and career tracks with a focus on certification and practical experience according to Swiss standards;
deepening cooperation with universities, educational centres and employers;
forming professional communities and networks of specialists capable of working both in Switzerland and within the framework of future projects for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

IntegraS is positioned not as a one-off event, but as long-term platform, aimed at systematic communication between the Ukrainian community and Swiss structures, increasing the transparency and accessibility of official information, and forming sustainable, future-oriented integration solutions.

The forum laid the foundation for dialogue between the Ukrainian community, Swiss businesses and institutional partners on the transfer of expertise, practical knowledge and management models that are critical to Ukraine's sustainable post-war recovery. The interest of Swiss institutions and companies in attracting motivated specialists who are already integrated into local processes and work according to Swiss standards was also emphasised. The knowledge, management practices and professional experience gained in Switzerland are seen as a significant contribution to the future political, economic and social recovery of Ukraine.