Migration partnerships are one of Switzerland's migration policy instruments. They are an expression of the mutual will of two states to cooperate fully on migration and provide a framework for cooperation, taking account of the interests of all partners involved.
A migration partnership is based on an agreement between two states to work together more closely in the area of migration, with a global approach. The aim is to develop common solutions to the challenges they face and to capitalise on the potential that migration can bring. Migration partnerships can include all areas related to migration that are of interest to both partners. The partners cooperate within the framework of agreements, concrete projects and programmes of direct relevance to migration, such as:
- harnessing migration as a factor in sustainable development
- protecting refugees, internally displaced persons and migrants
- safeguarding the human rights of displaced people
- combating human trafficking
- developing effective asylum and host structures
- promoting regular migration (e.g. visa policy and education and training)
- facilitating return and reintegration
Switzerland currently maintains migration partnerships with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, Nigeria, Tunisia and Sri Lanka.
