Switzerland has decided to end its development aid program in Eritrea by May 2025, citing a lack of progress in migration cooperation.

Despite efforts to improve relations and support vocational training in Eritrea, the Swiss government found that the goals of encouraging Eritrea to accept rejected asylum seekers were not met.

Over the years, Switzerland invested nearly seven million Swiss francs in Eritrean vocational schools, benefiting hundreds of young people.

However, Eritrea's state-controlled economy and limited job opportunities hindered the program's impact.

The decision to halt aid was made independently of budget cuts, and future Swiss involvement in Eritrea will likely be minimal.

This move comes amid ongoing political pressure in Switzerland to address the challenges posed by Eritrean asylum seekers, with no agreement yet on their return or transfer to third countries.