By Joan Nwagwu
The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has hailed Chad’s decision to abolish entry visa requirements for citizens of all African countries.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Joel Odigie, General Secretary of ITUC-Africa, and made available to newsmen on Monday in Abuja.
The commendation followed the announcement by the Government of Chad that the visa-free policy would take effect from Jan. 1, 2027.
Odigie described the decision as bold and progressive, saying it marked a significant step toward promoting the free movement of Africans across the continent.
According to him, the initiative reflects the aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the vision of a peaceful, prosperous and integrated Africa.
“Chad’s decision represents an important step toward Africa where Africans can move more freely, build relationships, exchange knowledge and contribute meaningfully to the continent’s development,” he said.
The ITUC-Africa genetal secretary said the policy would also support the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He said that meaningful economic integration could not be achieved while the movement of Africans remained restricted across the continent.
“Goods and services do not move by themselves. They are produced, traded and delivered by workers, entrepreneurs and communities,” Odigie said.
He added that removing visa barriers would boost intra-African trade, tourism, investment, skills exchange and employment opportunities.
Odigie, however, said that free movement should be accompanied by stronger protection for migrant workers across Africa.
“Africans crossing borders for employment and economic opportunities must enjoy decent work, equal treatment, social protection and protection against exploitation and abusive recruitment practices,” he said.
He urged the Chadian government to complement the visa-free policy with effective border management, transparent administrative procedures and mechanisms protecting migrant workers’ rights and dignity.
Odigie also called for the active involvement of trade unions and other social partners in developing and monitoring the implementation of the policy.
He urged other African governments to emulate Chad by accelerating implementation of the African Union Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Right of Establishment.
“A truly integrated African market must be built around African people and must deliver decent work, social justice and shared prosperity,” he said.
Odigie said Chad had demonstrated that African integration should move beyond declarations to practical actions benefiting citizens across the continent.
He congratulated the government and people of Chad for what he described as a courageous step toward building an Africa without unnecessary barriers.