India Signs New Migration Pact With Switzerland

The pact offers five-year multiple-entry visas and a young professionals scheme during Guy Parmelin’s India visit.

India and Switzerland have signed a Migration and Mobility Partnership designed to expand legal movement between the two countries while also addressing irregular migration and human trafficking. The agreement was announced during Swiss President Guy Parmelin’s visit to India, where he held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on trade, investment, technology, defence and mobility. The pact includes provisions for multiple-entry visas of up to five years, stays of up to six months per visit and renewable one-year student permits.

The agreement also creates a framework for greater movement of young professionals. Under the Young Professionals Scheme, up to 300 people from each country can participate annually, with the number potentially increasing to 500. Such arrangements are designed to create legal pathways for skilled workers and graduates while reducing incentives for irregular migration. Switzerland is also an important destination for Indian students, professionals and tourists, while Indian workers and businesses can benefit from easier access to European opportunities.

The migration pact is part of a broader effort to deepen India-Switzerland relations beyond traditional trade. The two governments also discussed greater market access for Indian exports, nuclear energy cooperation, defence ties and critical technologies. For India, the agreement is especially relevant because migration partnerships are increasingly becoming part of its economic diplomacy. India seeks greater opportunities for its skilled workforce abroad while simultaneously trying to ensure that migration occurs through regulated channels. Switzerland, meanwhile, wants access to Indian talent and markets while maintaining control over irregular migration. The agreement therefore combines mobility with immigration management and could serve as a model for similar arrangements between India and other European countries.