The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has commended the Government of Chad for abolishing entry visa requirements for citizens of all African countries, describing the move as a major step towards deeper continental integration.
In a statement issued by the General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa), Akhator Joel Odigie, the organisation praised the administration of President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno for announcing that the visa-free policy will take effect from January 1, 2027.
According to Odigie, the initiative aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and would promote the free movement of people, strengthen relationships among Africans, facilitate knowledge exchange and contribute to the continent’s development. He noted that the policy would also support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area by boosting intra-African trade, tourism, investment, skills exchange and job creation.
Odigie, however, stressed that greater freedom of movement should be matched with stronger protections for workers. He urged African governments to ensure migrant workers enjoy decent working conditions, equal treatment, social protection, freedom of association and safeguards against discrimination, exploitation, forced labour and abusive recruitment practices.
He also encouraged Chad to establish clear administrative procedures, effective border management systems and mechanisms to protect the rights and dignity of migrant workers, while involving trade unions and other social partners in implementing the policy.
The ITUC-Africa General Secretary further called on other African countries 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. He said a truly integrated African market should be centred on people and deliver decent work, social justice and shared prosperity across the continent.
