Migration – a priority for the SDC

© SDC

A migrant’s life has several facets. Through their work most migrants contribute to developing the prosperity both of their host country and of their country of origin. In the event of conflicts and natural disasters, however, migrants should be regarded as victims, and in this vulnerable situation need special protection.

SDC deals with these different aspects of migration. In addition to its work in the field, it actively participates in the political dialogue on this subject. Its commitment can be summarised under the following six headings.

International dialogue on migration

The SDC seeks global solutions and takes an active part in structuring the political dialogue on migration and development at the international level.

Refugees and internally displaced persons

SDC is involved in the protection of refugees and internally displaced persons, and works to meet their basic needs.

The diaspora

The SDC creates favourable framework conditions, promotes exchanges and carries out innovative projects to enable the different migrant communities to contribute to the development of their countries of origin.

Labour migration

SDC helps to ensure that migrants are informed about their rights and enjoy decent working conditions.

Swiss foreign policy on migration

The SDC uses its experience and instruments to contribute to pursuing Switzerland’s migration policy interests within the context of interdepartmental cooperation.

SDC dedicated website on migration

Specialist information (news, documents, instruments, methods) on knowledge exchange and cooperation with partners and experts

 http://www.sdc-migration.ch

Current projects

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FAIRWAY - Interregional Programme to promote decent work for migrant workers from Africa to the Arab States

01.09.2024 - 31.05.2028

Decent work for low-income migrant workers in the Middle East is promoted, in sectors particularly prone to forced labor and exploitation, affecting increasingly African workers. Through improved services, access to justice and representation, migrant workers have their rights protected. Interregional and regional cooperation is promoted for improved labor migration governance and safe migration, thereby enhancing the development benefits for countries of origin and destination.


Enhanced Protection and Support to the Most Vulnerable Children, notably Refugee Children, in Lebanon

16.08.2024 - 15.08.2027

Children of all nationalities in Lebanon are affected by the country’s multifaceted crisis and collapse of public services. They face heightened risks of abuse, exploitation and violence, and of getting in contact or even in conflict with the law. Specific groups like refugee children are particularly at risk of seeing their rights violated. Through this project, NGOs and UNICEF will jointly enhance the protection of children from violence by providing them with crucial legal and protection services and by improving the child-friendliness of the justice system (nexus).


Appui à l'insertion professionnelle et socioéconomique de jeunes guinéens afin de limiter les risques liés à la migration irrégulière

01.08.2024 - 31.07.2027

Ce projet de l'OIM soutient le renforcement de la qualité de la formation socio-professionnelle de jeunes guinéens, leur orientation professionnelle et leur insertion sur le marché du travail. Avec les fonds flexibles migration, la DDC appuie les autorités guinéennes et le secteur privé à réduire le chômage des jeunes et à leur offrir des perspectives professionnelles au niveau national.


Safer Migration project (SaMi)

16.07.2024 - 15.07.2028

Labour migration is a central pillar of the Nepalese economy, remittances contributing to more than 20% of the GNI. According to the Constitution of Nepal (2015) foreign labour migration should be made safe and beneficial. To this end, Switzerland will continue to support the three spheres (federal, provincial and local) of the Government of Nepal through the pioneering Safer Migration project (SaMi) exit phase, aiming at institutionalising, professionalising and upscaling migration services offered across the country.


Kenya: Empowering refugees and host communities in Dadaab through market-led solutions (EMPOWER)

01.07.2024 - 30.06.2028

The project envisages to unlock the potential of displacement-affected communities (DACs) by providing access to capital, skills development, market opportunities and entrepreneur-friendly policies. The project aims to deliver on long-term economic growth, self-reliance and decreased dependency of DACs on aid. This sustainable approach offers a pathway out of poverty and towards thriving entrepreneurial livelihoods in Kenya.


Protection and emergency care for vulnerable and unaccompanied minors

01.07.2024 - 30.06.2025

The number of migrants transiting through Bosnia and Herzegovina remains high with more than 10% of them being unaccompanied minors in need of essential care and special protection due to their vulnerabilities. As the state system is not yet able to fully address their needs, assistance from external actors remains crucial to provide the much-needed support to this vulnerable group of migrants and to safeguard their rights.


Strengthened and Informative Migration Systems (SIMS) Phase II

01.04.2024 - 31.03.2029

Switzerland is interested in ensuring that international migration is regular, secure, respects human dignity and the rights of migrants. The project will institutionalise well tested awareness mechanisms on the perils of irregular migration and enhance further public and private capacities to deliver services to potential migrants. The intervention contributes to Switzerland’s dialogue on safe, orderly and regular migration at national and global levels.


CAR, OCHA, Humanitarian Fund Central African Republic (HF-CAR) Protection and Assistance to people affected by conflict and violence

01.01.2024 - 31.12.2024

The protracted crisis continues to affect the lives and livelihoods of Central Africans, and more than 46% of the population remains in need of protection and assistance. The HF-CAR enables the implementation of priority humanitarian responses, and the Swiss contribution enables an effective and efficient response to these needs, in its commitments to Good Humanitarian Donorship, the Grand Bargain and the Localization of Aid.


Diaspora knowledge mobility project

01.11.2023 - 31.10.2027

Many members of the 2 million diaspora of Bosnia and Herzegovina are ready to contribute to the development of their country with their knowledge, skills and investments. Switzerland supports the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees in creating mechanisms for transfer of diaspora knowledge and skills to local development actors, scientific, research and educational institutions and students, which will contribute to Bosnia’s economic and social development. 


Core Contribution to the Regional Cooperation Council

15.10.2023 - 31.12.2026

The Regional Cooperation Council was officially launched in 2008 as the successor to the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe. The Berlin Process in 2014 gave a new impetus to the regional cooperation and positioned the Council as a medium for communication between the Western Balkan and the EU. It represents an important tool for fostering the stability in the region by bringing together 46 countries, international organisations and banks, mainly from the EU, South East Europe and Western Balkans. 


Venezuela Humanitarian Fund (VHF) – Country-based Pooled Fund (CBPF)

01.10.2023 - 31.12.2025

The Venezuela Humanitarian Fund (VHF) is part of multilateral contributions for a Country based Pooled Fund (CBPF) that mobilizes and channels resources to humanitarian partners to respond to the humanitarian needs in Venezuela. The Fund operates within the parameters of the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), with the objective of expanding the delivery of humanitarian assistance by focusing on critical priorities and needs.


Colombia: MIRE+, Assistance to Victims of Violence

01.10.2023 - 31.03.2025

The humanitarian crisis in Colombia continues despite growing efforts towards peace. Armed groups fighting for territory and valuable natural resources inflict extreme harm on rural and ethnic communities. In line with the Swiss interest to respond to humanitarian crises, SDC remains dedicated to supporting these communities, enhancing their individual and collective resilience. The project integrates humanitarian action with a developmental and peace orientation (nexus).

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