On 1 January 2015, the former Federal Office for Migration (FOM) became the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). The new name reflects the SEM’s growing importance and its broader field of activities. The organisation and structure of the office remain the same however.

The SEM determines under what circumstances a person may enter Switzerland to live and work. It also decides who is granted protection from persecution. In collaboration with the cantons, the SEM organises the accommodation of asylum seekers and the return of people who do not need protection to their country of origin. It also co-ordinates the integration of foreign nationals into Switzerland, is responsible for naturalising foreigners and works actively at international level to control migration movements.