The noose is tightening for  Africans who want to settle in European countries and Switzerland is no exception to this reality. Several laws concerning immigration have come into force in recent years, such as the agreement on free movement with the European Union in 2002, the revision of the asylum law in 2007 and the new law on foreigners in 2008. With these increasingly severe restrictions, what are the real possibilities of immigration for Africans in the countries of the North, particularly in Switzerland?

Africans are increasingly emigrating to countries in the North, and to some extent to some countries in the South, in the hope of finding  better living and working conditions  for themselves and their families. This migration plays a  major role in the growth of the economy of the host countries  and also has a  great influence on the development of their countries of origin .

As for African immigration to Switzerland, studies have shown that Africans who come to Switzerland legally do so mainly through requests for political asylum or family reunification, not to mention students and African spouses of Swiss citizens. Even if the possibilities for an African to immigrate to Switzerland exist, it is clear that they are increasingly complicated given the implementation  of increasingly dissuasive admission criteria.  This reality is not only Swiss, it could be extended to several countries in the Schengen area, North America, Oceania. Despite the risks and despite the complexity of the procedures, Africans will continue to immigrate to Switzerland, according to some immigration specialists. Indeed, the history of Man has always been closely linked to immigration. Africans  will therefore continue to immigrate to Switzerland , even if the Confederation finances many development projects on the continent to limit the flow of Africans to Switzerland. Even if this action is beneficial, it will not slow down Africans in their desire to join Switzerland. On the other hand, in addition to  development cooperation , it is essential that  suitable integration projects  be set up in host countries. Several Swiss municipalities are making commendable efforts in this direction. Unfortunately, they are insufficient. CIPINA will work with Swiss municipalities and cantons on this issue and will try to provide solutions that respect human rights and international treaties. It will collaborate more generally with any organization, national or international, for-profit or not, that is keen to reflect on the issue. This collaboration will give rise to proposals and recommendations to CIPINA’s various partners, whether state, civil society, or others.

Through this approach, we hope to put an end to several clichés and prejudices that tarnish the image of Africans, while their contribution is undeniable in the functioning of many sectors of their host countries.