Switzerland tightens visa regulations for Somalia and Guinea
What changed
On 12 August 2026, Switzerland made visa rules stricter for people from Somalia and Guinea. This follows recent decisions by the European Union (EU). This policy change temporarily stops different easier ways to apply for a visa. These include rules about the documents needed, how long it takes to process applications, and being able to get multiple-entry visas. The new rules aim to improve how these countries work with Switzerland to take their citizens back. They also aim to make the return system work better within the Schengen area.
The detail
Policy history
Switzerland tightens visa regulations for Somalia and GuineaRelated changes
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What changed
Switzerland and India have signed two important agreements: a Migration and Mobility Partnership and another agreement for training exchanges for young professionals. The Migration and Mobility Partnership makes official the existing cooperation on migration, creating legal ways for people to move and addressing issues like irregular migration, human trafficking, and forged documents. The agreement for young professionals will provide training placements to help people improve their professional and language skills.
Published 5 Oct 2026Effective 5 Oct 2026State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) — Media releases
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What changed
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Published 4 Sept 2026Effective 1 Oct 2026Immigration New Zealand — News
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What changed
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Published 28 Sept 2026Effective 29 Sept 2026Federal Register of Legislation — Migration instruments
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What changed
The Swiss Federal Council has significantly increased funding for integration promotion by the Confederation and the cantons. It approved a commitment credit of 334.5 million Swiss francs for the years 2028 to 2032, a rise of 5.4 million Swiss francs annually compared to the current period. This enhanced funding targets language development, educational pathways, and labour market integration, primarily benefiting immigrants and refugees through strengthened cantonal programmes and national projects. The change takes effect for the new programme period starting in 2028.
Published 25 Sept 2026State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) — Media releases
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