Media: Switzerland advises Ukrainians to sell their vehicles

Ukrainian refugees receiving financial assistance in Switzerland might be forced to sell their cars in order to keep getting their assistance payments, according to news outlet 20 Minuten. The new Swiss regulations oblige any person living off benefits a year after arriving in the country to pass a revaluation of their assets. Ukrainian refugees with so-called 'S status' also fall into this category. In the central canton of Lucerne, the authorities have set a deadline of one month for those getting social assistance to sort out issues with their personal vehicles. The local Asylum and Refugee Service (DAF) branch explained to 20 Minuten that it counts cars as assets for people with 'S status, meaning that the sum earned from the sale of the vehicle will be excluded from the benefits.

Vehicles are also counted towards their respective assets. Other Swiss cantons are also working to implement the new regulations, but it remains unclear how many cars will actually need to be sold.