contents
Anyone who would like to take in Ukraine refugees privately can register on various platforms. What needs to be considered?
Many in Switzerland want to help the Ukrainian population. On the website of the citizens’ movement Campax and other platforms, people who want to accommodate refugees register. The Swiss Refugee Aid SFH has experience with this from past wars. In an interview, SFH spokeswoman Eliane Engeler says what possible host families should consider.
SRF: Can I actually house refugees from Ukraine privately without asking the authorities?
Eliane Engeler: Refugees from the Ukraine can enter Switzerland freely and stay here legally for 90 days. During this time you can safely record the people privately. You don’t need permission from the authorities. For the time after that, it depends on the decision of the Federal Council. This is expected soon.
Do tenants have to ask the landlady first if they want to take in refugees?
Actually, no permit is required if the living space is made available free of charge. That’s not a sublease.
What do you have to consider if you want to take someone into your home as a refugee?
The mutual expectations and the motivation of the hosts must be addressed openly in advance in order to avoid later conflicts. Then privacy is important for everyone involved: your own room that can be locked if possible, access to the shower, bathroom and kitchen. It would be good if the accommodation is not too remote and can be reached by public transport. It is also important to be willing to make a longer commitment. We recommend a minimum duration of three months.
Now, if I want to host a person or family in my home, what is the best way to do it?
In a first step, potential hosts can contact us. You will be contacted when the need for private accommodation has been determined and the placement structures are in place. We are currently asking for a little patience.
In a second step, it is clarified whether the host family is suitable, what the mutual expectations are and whether the accommodation can be guaranteed in the long term. If this is the case, the host family and the refugee are mediated and accompanied. This is very important so that both sides have contact persons for questions and problems.
These people have lost their home in Ukraine and maybe experienced very bad things. This can also be stressful for the host family…
It is important to take the time to build up a relationship of trust with the guests. Also that the refugees can talk about what they have experienced themselves. One does not like to share stressful experiences at any time. Professional support is also important here.
Do the hosts finance the accommodation of the refugees themselves or is something paid for?
Initially, there will be no government support. So you have to consider whether and to what extent you as a host are willing to pay for the costs. Not all refugees are able to pay their living expenses. And unlike people in the asylum process, the state does not cover the costs of health insurance, food and accommodation.