African workers back Chad’s visa-free declaration, urge Nigeria, others to replicate

The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has backed Chad’s decision to abolish entry visa requirements for citizens of all African countries, saying the move will unlock jobs, accelerate economic growth, deepen regional trade and investment, and create the labour mobility needed to transform Africa into an integrated and prosperous continent.

The continental labour organisation described the visa-free initiative, which takes effect from January 1, 2027, as a bold step towards dismantling barriers that have continued to limit workers, entrepreneurs and businesses from fully exploiting the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It also urge Nigeria and other countries in Africa to do the same

ITUC-Africa said easier movement of Africans across the continent would promote decent employment, strengthen skills exchange, boost tourism, encourage investment flows and enhance productivity, particularly for millions of unemployed young Africans seeking opportunities beyond their national borders.

General Secretary of ITUC-Africa, Comrade Akhator Joel Odigie, who stated this in a statement, commended the Government of Chad for what he described as a courageous decision that gives practical meaning to Africa’s integration agenda.

According to him, the policy represents “an important step towards an Africa in which Africans can move more freely, build relationships, exchange knowledge and contribute to the continent’s development.”

He said the decision also gives practical expression to the aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the vision of “a peaceful, prosperous and integrated Africa.”

Odigie stressed that Africa’s quest for economic integration cannot succeed if the movement of its people remains restricted.

“Africa cannot achieve meaningful economic integration while the movement of its people remains restricted. Goods and services do not move by themselves; they are carried, produced, traded and delivered by workers, entrepreneurs and communities,” he said.

He said removing visa barriers will strengthen intra-African trade, stimulate investments, expand tourism, encourage skills transfer across borders and create employment opportunities capable of reducing youth unemployment across the continent.

He maintained that workers should remain at the centre of Africa’s integration agenda, insisting that the AfCFTA would only achieve its full potential when African workers are able to move freely to where their skills and services are needed.

The ITUC-Africa General Secretary, however, cautioned that the liberalisation of movement must be matched with stronger protection for workers.

He said Africans crossing borders in search of employment and economic opportunities should enjoy decent working conditions, equal treatment, freedom of association, access to social protection and protection against discrimination, exploitation, forced labour and abusive recruitment practices.

“Freer movement must be accompanied by stronger protection for workers,” Odigie stated.

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He urged the Chadian government to complement the visa-free policy with clear administrative procedures, effective border management and practical mechanisms for safeguarding the rights and dignity of migrant workers.

He further called for trade unions and other social partners to play active roles in developing and monitoring the implementation framework to ensure that expanding labour mobility does not weaken labour standards or workers’ rights.

ITUC-Africa also challenged other African governments to emulate Chad by accelerating the implementation of the African Union Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Right of Establishment.

According to the organisation, the continent cannot build a truly integrated market if Africans continue to face unnecessary barriers to movement.

“A truly integrated African market must be built around African people and must deliver decent work, social justice and shared prosperity,” Odigie said.

He added that by opening its borders to fellow Africans, Chad has demonstrated that continental integration must move beyond policy declarations to practical actions capable of improving livelihoods, expanding employment opportunities and promoting inclusive economic development.

“By opening its doors to Africans, Chad has demonstrated that African integration must move beyond declarations and become a lived reality for the continent’s citizens,” he added.

ITUC-Africa consequently saluted the Government and people of Chad for taking what it described as a courageous step towards building “an Africa without unnecessary barriers,” expressing optimism that the policy would encourage other African countries to embrace freer movement as a catalyst for decent work, sustainable economic growth, regional prosperity and social justice.