In recent years Africa has witnessed changing patterns of migration, a phenomenon that has become both dynamic and extremely complex. A multiplicity of factors that include poor socio-economic conditions, political instability, conflict and civil strife, migration has been on the rise on the African Continent, and for some communities migration has become a survival strategy. This is reflected in the feminization of migration; an increase in the number of youths on the move, and an upsurge in irregular migratory flows, which include human trafficking and migrant smuggling. Yet if managed in a coherent manner, nations and regions can reap the benefits of the linkages between migration and development as the Continent strives towards the ideals of Agenda 2063.

To achieve this, the African Union developed the Migration Policy Framework for Africa (2018 – 2030) as one of the Continental frameworks that provide the Continent with guidelines to manage migration in a coherent manner, and therefore reap the benefits of migration.

The Migration Policy Framework for Africa (2018 – 2030) provides comprehensive policy guidelines to AU Member States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs). In addition to providing guidelines in eight thematic areas, namely: Migration Governance; Labour Migration and Education; Diaspora Engagement; Border Governance; Irregular Migration; Forced Displacement; Internal Migration; Migration and Trade; and other Cross-Cutting issues.

The framework reflects the current migration dynamics in Africa, and offers a strategic framework to guide Member States and RECs in the management of migration. In terms of Labour Migration and Education the framework calls for the establishment of regular, transparent, comprehensive and gender-responsive labour migration policies, legislation and structures at national and regional levels. The framework advocates for the integration of migrants into the labour market and the education and training sector, as well as the provision of social protection and social security benefits for labour migrants while working abroad, as well as upon their return.

Regional cooperation and harmonisation of labour migration policies can foster regular labour migration to meet the supply and demand of domestic and foreign labour markets, promote the enforcement of labour standards, and reduce recourse to irregular migration. In this regard the framework recommends the harmonization and strengthened implementation of AU and REC free movement provisions related to residence and establishment, as well as enhanced cooperation among Member States in regard to the facilitation of free movement. Countering brain drain and mitigating its effects on national economies are important policy objectives for African countries.

Remittances can improve people’s resilience to shocks and even offer a pathway out of poverty through investments in education, health and income-generating activities. Therefore, identifying ways to maximise the developmental impact of remittances, improving the efficiency of remittance transfer mechanisms, and reducing remittance transfer costs are topics of growing importance to African countries. Diaspora Engagement is one key aspect of fostering the migration-development nexus. Strategies in this respect include instituting policies and conducive conditions that foster Diaspora participation in the development of the Continent and their countries of origin.

The trend towards the securitisation of migration and borders should not engender the closing of borders and hamper integration efforts in Africa. Rather, cross-border cooperation in security, immigration and development needs to be intensified to allow for the effective governance of borders and stimulate economic integration. Due to a number of factors, including increased barriers to regular migration and the need for international protection, irregular migration is increasing. Irregular migration is closely linked to migrant smuggling and other forms of international organised crime, including human trafficking, and can adversely affect national and international stability and security. In regard to migrant smuggling, strengthened transnational cooperation and legal frameworks are essential responses. Migrant smuggling can be prevented by expanding legal migration pathways and raising awareness on its dangers.

Regarding Migration and Trade, the movement of persons for trade, especially short-term migration, is becoming of increasing relevance. In this context, the implementation of the Continental Free Trade Area and the AU Free Movement of Persons Protocol should aid trade, continental integration and development.

Read more of the Migration Policy Framework for Africa (2018 – 2030) – https://dev.au.int/en/documents/20181206/migration-policy-framework-afri...