Facilitating labour migration and free movement in Africa

Context

The vision of a united Africa, with free movement of people and increasing economic and political integration, has been a central idea for decades. This ideal advocates the free and unrestricted movement of citizens of one African country to another, allowing them the rights to live and work there without significant barriers. The African Union (AU) actively promotes the realisation of this vision.

Migration within Africa is much more common than to Europe or other regions of the world. Intraregional forms of migration, such as seasonal labour movements, remain crucial for the livelihood of millions across the continent.

Objective

The implementation of continental migration policy frameworks concerning labour migration and free movement of people has improved both nationally and regionally.

Approach

The project implements measures in three fields of action:

1. Enhancing institutional mechanisms to implement the Migration Policy Framework for Africa (MPFA) focusing on labour migration. This includes improving coordination within the African Union Commission (AUC) on labour migration and mobility.
2. Bolstering the technical and steering capacities of the AU to advise regional economic communities (RECs) and member states, including civil society, on labour migration and mobility.
3. Collaborating with AUC to involve all relevant actors across the continent, regionally, and nationally in ratifying and implementing the AU Free Movement of Persons Protocol.

Last update: November 2024