“Facilitating Intra Regional Labour Migration in the

ECOWAS”

Mariama Awumbila, Yaw Benneh & Joseph TeyeCentre for Migration Studies

University of Ghana

Background to Study Migration has gained significance in the global agenda

Regional cooperation in the field of labour migration could enhance mobility of workers while promoting the transfer of skills, knowledge and assets, and tackling possible negative socio-economic effects of migration.

Policies are needed to facilitate labour migration within the ECOWAS region and for greater harmonisation, and the exchange of data on interregional migration flows

ACP study focused on intra-regional mobility and implementation of ECOWAS protocols on free movement.

Study was conducted in 15 countries, coordinated by CMS. Today presentation will only focus on:

--Analysis of the structure of the labour markets (demand and supply of labour) and the patterns of labour migration in the ECOWAS region; and

--Examination of the obstacles in the implementation of the Free Movement Protocol.

Key findings…Migration Flows and Statistics

A complexity and variety of data sources / institutions for migration, labour and legal framework

a) Population Censuses

b) Surveys and research projects (LSS, migration, labour force surveys etc)

c) Research projects (MAFE, MOP, MUSNWA etc)

c) National Immigration Depts, and Relevant Ministries and Departments

d) International Organizations and data bases eg UNDESA, migration profiles

Country studies generally highlight the paucity of reliable and accurate data on migration, labour markets in member countries

a) lack harmonisation of definitions and concepts

b) Different migration contexts

c) Irregular conduct of censuses / national surveys

d) Most national databases are not disaggregated by key variables

Key findings…Migration Flows and Statistics (cont)

Intra regional Labour Migration is dominant form of migration flows

Intra-regional labour migration flows are dominated by a north-south movement from countries of Sahel West Africa, to the mineral-rich and plantation-rich coastal countries.

Marjority of West African migrants in the sub-region are not very highly educated and tend to work in the informal sector as traders, artisans, farmers.

Key Findings...Labour Market

Wide gaps between the demand for labour and supply, with supply outstripping demand in the region.

 Most labour migrants are absorbed into the informal sector -.

There is no formal framework that guides the sharing of labour market information derived from the myriad sources.

No functional labour market information in place and where some form of LMIS (labour market information systems) exist, they are not operational.

  In principle, ECOWAS member states have ratified the Free Movement Protocol,

in practice, restrictive policies/initiatives by member states to protect sectors of their economies for their nationals still exist. 

Key findings…Legal and policy framework

Study affirms that, the Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Establishment, along with the Supplementary Protocols expresses the determination of Member States of ECOWAS to place intra-regional movement at the heart of the regional integration process

Harassment at borders continue to occur

Due to concerns about unauthorized migration, neither the second nor the third phases of implementation of the Protocol have led to free rights of residence or establishment in Member States.

Although ECOWAS migrants are expected to have equal opportunities as nationals, many countries have provisions in their labour laws and regulations that preserve certain public sector jobs for their nationals.

 

Key Gaps and Challenges

Challenges with the data collection systems

- Data is often of poor quality, outdated, and not disaggregated in many ECOWAS countries.

Comparability of migration data is hindered by lack of harmonised definitions particularly with

reference to time frame

Lack of Comprehensive dataset on Labour Markets and Absence of LMIS

- Lack of comprehensive labour force data and limited statistics on labour migration.

- Absence of functional Labour Market Information System (LMIS) for monitoring and evaluation for

planning.

- Few countries have carried out labour force surveys.

Lack of harmonization of National Labour Policies with ECOWAS protocols. National policies, laws on trade and immigration for instance do not allow ECOWAS nationals equal opportunities for employment in all sectors.

Highly informal structure of the economies of ECOWAS countries makes it extremely difficult to collect information from this sector of the labour market

Weak Institutional and Coordinating Mechanisms

- In the absence of LMIS various labour market information are collected independently and not

shared amongst relevant stakeholders. There is no coordinated strategy for data collection and

dissemination and for engaging the different institutions that are key to the success or otherwise of

LMIS.

 

Policy Recommendations

1. Strengthen the capacity of institutions charged with migration data collection

2. Harmonize labour migration concepts and definitions

3. Develop mechanisms for exchange of information on labour migration among the various state institutions, civil society groups and training institutions, private sector.

4. Conduct periodic labour market and migration surveys to ascertain labour needs and supply to ensure regular updates of migration and labour market information at national levels.

5. Develop and implement a framework for labour market information system (LMIS)

6. Promote Broader Social, Political and Economic Policies aimed at transforming national economies and creating opportunities for sustained job creation for young people in ECOWAS countries.

Policy Recommendations. Con’t With regards to legal and policy Frameworks Promote periodic studies on intra-regional migration and the implementation of its

Protocols and identifying the practical challenges in the implementation of the Protocols.

Establish structures to address migration issues and in particular, to establish mechanisms for the registration and settlement of complaints of harassment and abuses of human rights of Community citizens.

Deepen dialogue with national authorities to ensure application and implementation of all phases of the Protocol and the Action Plans and enshrine them in their national laws

Prioritize the harmonization of travel documents and migration policies in the sub-region

Transform border control and security officials’ roles into that of migration management. Training should also include a component addressing ways of identifying people in need of protection, and respect for the rights of migrants in accordance with international norms and conventions.

Build capacity of officials – customs and immigration officers, police and security