Call for Proposals: Initiatives to Counteract Irregular Migration

The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) has launched a call for proposals to support initiatives that strengthen migration management, asylum systems, border management, and efforts to counter irregular migration in priority countries and migration routes. The call supports not-for-profit organizations implementing operational projects aligned with Sweden’s Global Development Cooperation Strategy on Migration, Returns and Voluntary Repatriation 2024–2028.

Eligible organizations can submit proposals for projects supporting institutional capacity-building, migrant protection, returns and voluntary repatriation systems, and cooperation among migration stakeholders. The maximum project budget is SEK 15 million.

Overview of the Sida Migration Management Grant Call

The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) is inviting applications for projects that improve migration governance and address challenges related to irregular migration.

The call is part of Sweden’s Global Development Cooperation Strategy on Migration, Returns and Voluntary Repatriation 2024–2028.

The programme aims to support sustainable migration management by strengthening institutions, improving cooperation, and developing effective systems for asylum, migration governance, and returns.

Objectives of the Programme

The main objective of this call is to strengthen migration management systems and reduce irregular migration through development cooperation.

The programme supports initiatives that:

• Improve asylum and migration management systems
• Strengthen institutional capacity
• Enhance border management systems
• Prevent migrant smuggling
• Support effective return and voluntary repatriation processes
• Encourage international cooperation on migration issues
• Improve coordination between migration stakeholders

Priority Areas

Strengthening Asylum and Migration Management

Projects should support institutions responsible for migration governance.

Activities may include:

• Institutional capacity-building
• Training for migration authorities
• Improving asylum procedures
• Strengthening administrative systems
• Enhancing coordination among relevant institutions

Strengthening Border Management

The programme supports initiatives that improve safe and effective border management.

Activities may include:

• Capacity development for border authorities
• Improving operational systems
• Strengthening cooperation among agencies
• Supporting legal migration management

Countering Migrant Smuggling

Projects may address challenges related to irregular migration networks.

Supported activities may include:

• Strengthening institutional responses
• Improving coordination among authorities
• Developing operational approaches to prevent smuggling
• Enhancing information-sharing mechanisms

Supporting Returns and Voluntary Repatriation

The strategy supports effective and sustainable return systems, including:

• Voluntary repatriation
• Forced return processes
• Cooperation between countries and institutions
• Reintegration-related coordination

Priority Countries and Migration Routes

The call focuses on migration-related initiatives in:

• Afghanistan
• Ethiopia
• Iraq
• Lebanon
• Somalia
• Syria
• Turkey
• Uzbekistan

It also supports projects addressing migration routes including:

• Central Mediterranean route
• Eastern Mediterranean route

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Not-for-profit organizations
• Organizations with relevant ongoing activities in migration management
• Existing Sida partners
• New organizations with relevant expertise

Applicants should demonstrate experience in areas such as:

• Migration governance
• Asylum systems
• Institutional strengthening
• Development cooperation
• Human rights-based migration approaches

Applicant Requirements

Organizations must meet Sida’s eligibility requirements, including:

Organizational Governance

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Legal registration
• Transparent organizational structures
• Effective governance systems
• Accountability mechanisms

Gender Equality

Applicants should integrate gender equality considerations into project planning and implementation.

Environmental and Climate Considerations

Projects should consider:

• Environmental impacts
• Climate-related risks
• Sustainable approaches

Safeguarding Requirements

Applicants must have systems to ensure:

• Protection of vulnerable groups
• Prevention of harm
• Ethical implementation practices

Coordination Capacity

Organizations should demonstrate the ability to coordinate with:

• Sida
• Partner country institutions
• International organizations
• Development partners

Eligible Project Activities

Projects should focus on practical and operational activities.

Supported activities may include:

Institutional Capacity Building

• Training programmes
• Technical assistance
• Strengthening migration institutions
• Improving operational capacity

Migration System Improvement

• Enhancing asylum procedures
• Improving migration services
• Strengthening coordination mechanisms

Border Management Support

• Operational improvements
• Skills development
• Institutional cooperation

International Cooperation

• Collaboration with governments
• Partnerships with international organizations
• Coordination among development actors

Activities Not Supported

The programme does not support projects focused only on:

• Policy development
• Research studies
• Standalone reports
• Similar non-operational activities

Projects must demonstrate practical implementation and operational impact.

Funding Details

Maximum Project Budget

The total budget requested for a project must not exceed:

SEK 15 million

Applicants should submit realistic budgets aligned with project activities and expected results.

How to Apply

Organizations interested in applying should follow these steps:

Step 1: Review Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should confirm that they:

• Are eligible not-for-profit organizations
• Have relevant migration-related experience
• Meet Sida governance and accountability standards

Step 2: Identify Project Needs

Applicants should define:

• Migration challenges being addressed
• Target institutions or beneficiaries
• Priority country or migration route
• Expected outcomes

Step 3: Develop a Project Proposal

The proposal should include:

• Project objectives
• Planned operational activities
• Implementation approach
• Partnership arrangements
• Budget details
• Expected results

Step 4: Demonstrate Alignment With Sida Priorities

Applicants should show how their project supports:

• Migration management
• Countering irregular migration
• Institutional strengthening
• Returns and voluntary repatriation
• Development cooperation goals

Step 5: Submit the Proposal

Applications must be submitted according to Sida’s official call requirements and procedures.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Focus on practical and measurable activities
• Clearly explain institutional capacity-building approaches
• Demonstrate local partnerships
• Show innovation and added value
• Explain how the project complements existing Sida initiatives
• Include gender equality and safeguarding measures

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting projects focused only on research or policy studies
• Proposing activities unrelated to migration management
• Failing to explain operational outcomes
• Ignoring coordination with existing initiatives
• Providing unrealistic budgets
• Missing governance or safeguarding requirements

Expected Impact of Funded Projects

Successful projects are expected to contribute to:

• Stronger migration governance systems
• Improved asylum management
• Better institutional capacity
• Reduced migrant smuggling
• More effective border management
• Improved cooperation among migration actors
• Better return and voluntary repatriation systems

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Sida Migration Management Grant Call?

It is a funding opportunity supporting projects that strengthen migration management, asylum systems, border management, and efforts to counter irregular migration.

Who can apply for Sida funding?

Not-for-profit organizations with relevant migration-related activities and the capacity to meet Sida’s organizational requirements can apply.

Which countries are prioritized?

The call focuses on Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Iraq, Lebanon, Somalia, Syria, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and migration routes including the Central and Eastern Mediterranean routes.

What is the maximum project budget?

The maximum project budget cannot exceed SEK 15 million.

Are research studies eligible for funding?

No. Projects must focus on operational activities rather than only policy development, studies, or research.

Does Sida support return and repatriation activities?

Yes. The strategy supports well-functioning returns, including forced returns and voluntary repatriation.

Can new Sida partners apply?

Yes. Sida welcomes both existing and new partners that meet eligibility requirements and demonstrate relevant expertise.

Conclusion

The Sida Migration Management and Countering Irregular Migration Grant Call provides funding support for organizations working to strengthen migration systems, improve asylum management, and address irregular migration challenges.

Through operational projects focused on institutional capacity-building, border management, migrant smuggling prevention, and return cooperation, the programme contributes to safer, more effective, and sustainable migration governance aligned with Sweden’s development cooperation priorities.