Introduction

Sida – the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency – is a government agency working to create better living conditions for people living in poverty and under oppression around the world. Sida works on behalf of the Swedish Government and Parliament and the Agency's activities are funded through Swedish tax revenue.  

Sida implements the Strategy for Sweden's Global Development Cooperation on Migration, Returns and Voluntary Repatriation 2024–2028 (hereafter the "Strategy") in accordance with the decision from the Government. The Strategy seeks to stimulate well-functioning returns, including forced returns and voluntary repatriation, that can contribute to sustainable growth and development in receiving countries. The Strategy also aims to combat irregular migration through supporting partner countries to strengthen asylum and migration management, including border controls. The strategy aims to support Swedish priorities in efforts concerning migration and return (including forced return) and voluntary repatriation. 

The Government has identified eight countries and two main routes to be prioritized in the implementation of the Strategy. These countries/routes are: Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Iraq, Lebanon, Somalia, Syria, Turkey and Uzbekistan, as well as the Central Mediterranean route and the Eastern Mediterranean route.

Call for proposals

Through this call for proposals, Sida is seeking projects and programs focusing on achieving results in the above mentioned countries and along the routes. Coordination with EU instruments and activities of other Member States should also be taken into consideration.   

Proposals to Sida should address one or more of the following three areas: 

i)      Strengthening asylum and migration management through institutional capacity-building.

ii)     Strengthening border management.

iii)    Counteracting migrant smuggling.

We particularly welcome proposals that demonstrate innovative working methods and approaches. 

We welcome proposals from established partners to Sida, but strongly encourage applications from new partners.

Important dates

The call for proposals will be open from June 30th 12.00 CEST to July 31st 2026, 12.00 CEST.

Sida will evaluate all applications based on established internal criteria. Up to five organisations will be expected to be selected for further cooperation.