The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa, www.ituc-africa.org ) warmly commends the Government of the Republic of Chad, under the leadership of President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, for its decision to abolish entry visa requirements for citizens of all African countries from 1 January 2027.
This bold and progressive decision 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. It gives practical expression to the aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the vision of a peaceful, prosperous and integrated Africa.
Chad’s decision is also an important contribution to the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). 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. Removing visa barriers will support intra-African trade, tourism, investment, skills exchange and employment creation.
ITUC-Africa stresses, however, that freer movement must be accompanied by stronger protection for workers. Africans crossing borders in search of employment and economic opportunities must enjoy decent working conditions, equal treatment, freedom of association, access to social protection and protection against discrimination, exploitation, forced labour and abusive recruitment practices.
We encourage the Government of Chad to complement this visa-free policy with clear administrative procedures, effective border management and mechanisms for safeguarding the rights and dignity of migrant workers. Trade unions and other social partners should be fully involved in developing and monitoring these arrangements.
ITUC-Africa calls upon other African governments to follow Chad’s example and accelerate the 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.
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.
ITUC-Africa salutes the Government and people of Chad for taking this courageous step towards an Africa without unnecessary barriers.
