The Swiss Federal Council has proposed extending its funding framework for international cooperation on migration and returns for an additional two years, covering 2027 and 2028. The proposed allocation of CHF 10.6 million will support projects aimed at strengthening the capacity of partner countries in managing migration and asylum systems.
The funding also enables Switzerland to deepen collaboration with countries of origin, particularly in facilitating the return of irregular migrants and promoting dialogue on migration issues.
The Federal Council aims to reduce irregular migration flows while easing the financial and administrative burden on its domestic asylum system, including costs related to social assistance and emergency support.
Since the introduction of this funding instrument in 2011, Switzerland has significantly expanded its network of bilateral migration agreements, increasing from 45 to 78 partnerships.
A recent example is the May 2026 arrangement with Morocco, which introduces more efficient return procedures.
The Federal Council plans to align this funding mechanism with Switzerland’s overall international cooperation strategy starting in 2029.
- Federal Council | Der Bundesrat | Conseil fédéral | Consiglio federale (12 June, 2026), Le Conseil fédéral propose de prolonger le crédit d’engagement pour la coopération en matière de migration et de retour [Federal Council proposes to extend the commitment credit for cooperation on migration and return],