
Faith Nyasuguta
Switzerland has announced the termination of its development aid program to Eritrea, citing continued challenges in repatriating rejected asylum seekers. The decision is part of a broader shift in Swiss aid policies, which have also included funding cuts to other nations like Zambia..
The move follows an external evaluation that found insufficient progress in migration cooperation between the two countries. A spokesperson for the Swiss foreign ministry confirmed that Eritrea’s refusal to accept deported asylum seekers played a key role in the aid suspension. Despite years of diplomatic efforts, forced repatriation remains a point of contention, prompting Switzerland to reassess its financial support.
Switzerland has funded development projects in Eritrea since 2017, aiming to address economic and social issues in the Horn of Africa nation. However, with the aid program now set to end in May, the fate of these projects remains uncertain. The Swiss government’s frustration with Eritrea mirrors broader European concerns over migration, as Eritreans make up a significant portion of asylum seekers in Switzerland and other EU countries.
Migration Tensions

The presence of Eritrean asylum seekers in Switzerland has sparked heated debates over immigration policies. Approximately 40,000 Eritreans reside in Switzerland, making them one of the largest refugee communities in the country. However, a small group of rejected asylum seekers, around 260 individuals,has drawn significant attention, fueling political and public discourse.
Many Swiss politicians have pushed for their deportation, but Eritrea’s refusal to accept them has complicated the process. Swiss media reports have highlighted challenges in integrating Eritrean migrants, citing language barriers, dependency on social welfare, and limited economic participation. These concerns have contributed to growing public frustration and calls for stricter immigration controls.
In response to financial pressures, the Swiss House of Representatives recently resumed discussions on the 2025 budget, focusing on reducing proposed cuts to international aid. Lawmakers approved reductions of CHF147.7 million for bilateral development projects and CHF52.3 million for multilateral organizations. Additionally, a CHF50 million cut was made to economic cooperation programs under the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

The Swiss government’s decision to end aid to Eritrea reflects a bigger European struggle with migration policies. With development funding now withdrawn, questions arise over the effectiveness of foreign aid in addressing migration challenges. The ongoing debate over Eritrean asylum seekers in Switzerland is expected to intensify in the coming months.
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