AfDB, ECOWAS brainstorm on common migration policy

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are organizing a brainstorming workshop on a common migration policy for ECOWAS at the Novotel Hotel in Dakar, Senegal.

The workshop from 20-21 June, will guide the development of a modern day migration policy that responds to the aspirations of the region’s citizens and conform to present-day realities, a statement issued on June 13, 2013 has said.

The statement noted that, citizens of ECOWAS are among the most mobile in the world, and trends indicate that they mainly migrate within the ECOWAS region. This trend has been formalized since the ratification of the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons. In addition to the ratification of the Protocol, ECOWAS countries have introduced a common ECOWAS passport, and have abolished entry visas for Community Citizens.

Meanwhile, the objectives of the workshop are to provide opportunity for stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector to make input into the policy-making process; to provide inputs that will help the development of the common regional Policy on Migration for the ECOWAS; to provide inputs that will guide work on the related subject of remittances; and to define modalities for the review and modernization of the Protocol on Free Movement of persons and the Rights of Residency and Establishment.

The workshop will bring together officials from member states and experts dealing with migration policy issues.

By Dorcas Appiah