About Labour Migration
Labour migration in Africa is a dynamic phenomenon influenced by a several economic, social, and political factors. This movement of people within and outside the continent, in search of employment, has significant implications for development, labour markets, and socio-economic stability in both origin and destination countries.
Historically, labour migration in Africa has roots in pre-colonial trade routes and colonial-era forced labour. During the colonial period, many African workers were compelled to move to work in mines, plantations, and construction projects. Post-independence, migration patterns shifted, influenced by decolonization, regional conflicts, economic disparities, and the search for better opportunities.
Current Trends
Intra-African Migration: A significant portion (80%) of migration occurs within the continent. Migrants often move to more economically prosperous areas.
International Migration: Africans also migrate outside the continent, with the Middle East, Europe, and North America being popular destinations. Economic opportunities, education, political stability, and safety are primary motivators for international migration.
Irregular Migration: Due to stringent immigration policies and lack of opportunities, some migrants resort to irregular migration, often risking their lives to reach their destinations. For example, the perilous journeys across the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea.
Economic Impact
Remittances: Migrant workers contribute significantly to their home countries through remittances, which are a vital source of income for many families. Remittances support household consumption, education, healthcare, and small business investments.
Labour Market Dynamics: Migration impacts labour markets in both origin and destination countries. While origin countries may face skill shortages, destination countries benefit from the influx of labour, filling gaps in various sectors, including agriculture, construction, and services.
Skills and Knowledge Transfer: Returnee migrants lead to transfer of skills and knowledge, contributing to the development of home countries. However, this is often counterbalanced by brain drain, where skilled professionals leave for better opportunities abroad.
Social and Cultural Dimensions
Integration and Social Cohesion: Migrants often face challenges related to integration, discrimination, and access to social services. Successful integration policies are crucial for social cohesion and stability.
Gender Dynamics: Women constitute a significant portion of migrants, often taking on roles in several sectors. Female migrants are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and discrimination, creating a need for joint interventions to respond to this issue.
Policy and Governance
Labour Migration Governance: Effective governance is essential for managing migration and ensuring rights and protection of migrant workers. Policies should aim to facilitate legal migration pathways, protect migrant rights, and enhance benefits of migration for development.
Regional Cooperation: The African Union and various Regional Economic Communities (RECs) play a crucial role in shaping migration policies, domesticating various frameworks, implementing them, and fostering cooperation among member states.
International Frameworks: African Member States are increasingly aligning their migration policies with international frameworks, such as the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) and International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, to ensure orderly, safe, and regular migration.
Challenges and Opportunities
Youth Unemployment: With a growing youth population and limited job opportunities, many societies see migration as a pathway to a better future. There is a need for enhanced skills transfer and recognition of skills across borders to facilitate this process.
Climate Change: Environmental degradation and climate change are emerging drivers of migration, as people move in search of more viable living conditions and livelihoods. This necessitates durable solutions for employment-related migration.
African Documents, Programmes and Frameworks Guiding Migration Governance
Afrca has developed several key documents and frameworks to address and manage migration, aiming to ensure that it contributes positively to development while protecting the rights and well-being of migrants. Some of the significant documents and frameworks include:
African Union Migration Policy Framework for Africa (MPFA)
Adopted: 2006, revised in 2018
Purpose: Provides comprehensive guidelines for AU member states to develop national migration policies. It focuses on migration governance, labor migration, border management, irregular migration, and migrant rights.
African Union Agenda 2063
Adopted: 2015
Purpose: A strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of Africa over 50 years. It includes objectives related to the free movement of people, regional integration, and sustainable development, emphasizing the role of migration in achieving these goals.
Protocol on Free Movement of Persons and the African Passport
Adopted: 2018
Purpose: Aims to facilitate the free movement of African citizens across the continent, enhance intra-African trade, and promote regional integration. The protocol advocates for visa-free entry for African nationals, the right of residence, and the right of establishment.
African Union Border Governance Strategy
Adopted: 2016
Purpose: Aims to promote peace, security, and stability through effective border management. It addresses cross-border cooperation, border security, and the facilitation of safe and orderly migration.
Joint Labour Migration Programme (JLMP)
Initiated: 2015
Purpose: A collaborative effort by the African Union Commission (AUC), International Labour Organization (ILO), International Organization for Migration (IOM), and Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) to enhance labour migration governance. The programme aims to improve migration policies, protect migrant workers, and promote regional integration.
Khartoum Process
Initiated: 2014
Purpose: A collaborative initiative involving African and European countries focusing on addressing human trafficking and smuggling along migration routes. It aims to enhance cooperation, share best practices, and develop sustainable solutions for migration management.
Rabat Process
Initiated: 2006
Purpose: A platform for dialogue and cooperation between European and African countries on migration and development issues. It focuses on addressing the root causes of migration, promoting legal migration pathways, and enhancing migration governance.
African Common Position on Migration and Development (ACPMD)
Adopted: 2006
Purpose: Outlines the AU’s strategic approach to migration and development. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive migration policies, protection of migrant rights, and the role of the diaspora in Africa’s development.
Regional Economic Communities (RECs) Frameworks
Examples: ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Goods, and Services; SADC Protocol on the Facilitation of Movement of Persons; EAC Common Market Protocol
Purpose: Various RECs have developed frameworks to facilitate the free movement of people, enhance regional integration, and manage migration issues. These protocols promote visa-free travel, right of residence, and right of establishment among member states.
Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) Agreement
Adopted: 2018
Purpose: Aims to create a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of businesspersons and investments. It supports regional integration and economic development, recognizing the role of migration in these processes.
