Harmonized Classification of Fees, Forms and Procedures for issuance for Entry/Work/Residents Permit Fees

Posted in Immigration

The East African Community has made significant strides towards harmonizing the classification, procedures, and fees for the issuance of Entry/Work/Residence Permits, streamlining processes and promoting the free movement of workers within the region. This initiative, outlined in Article 6(9) of the EAC Common Market Protocol (Free Movement of Workers) and Regulation 6(5) of the EAC Common Market Protocol (Right of Residence), underscores the commitment of Partner States to facilitate mobility and integration.

In November 2006, the EAC Council of Ministers adopted recommended harmonized classification and procedures for the issuance of entry/work permits across East Africa. This standardized framework aims to ensure consistency and fairness in the application process, fostering a conducive environment for both employers and migrant workers.

As part of this harmonization effort, the Partner States adopted a unified form for Work/Residence Permit and Special Pass, simplifying administrative procedures and reducing bureaucratic hurdles. By standardizing documentation, the EAC enhances transparency and efficiency, thereby facilitating the movement of skilled labor across borders.

Furthermore, some Partner States, including the Republic of Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya, have taken additional steps to promote the free movement of workers by waiving the requirement for payment of Work Permit fees. This progressive measure not only removes financial barriers for migrant workers but also incentivizes labor mobility, contributing to economic growth and regional development.

Overall, the harmonization of fees, forms, and procedures for the issuance of Entry/Work/Residence Permits represents a significant milestone in the quest for deeper regional integration within the East African Community. By promoting mobility, facilitating employment opportunities, and fostering cross-border cooperation, these initiatives propel the region towards a more prosperous and interconnected future.

The East African e-Passport

Posted in Immigration

In an era of digital transformation, the introduction of the East African e-Passport (EA e-Passport) marks a significant milestone in the quest for seamless travel and enhanced regional integration within the East African Community (EAC). This advanced travel document leverages cutting-edge technology to streamline border crossings, strengthen security measures, and promote greater mobility among member states.

The 17^th Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State held on 2^nd March, 2016 launched the EA e-Passport in three categories, namely, Diplomatic; Service and Ordinary. The EAC e-Passport is an international passport and therefore replaced the former National Passports of the EAC Partner States.

The EA e-Passport comes in red for the Diplomatic Passport, green for the Service Passport and sky blue for the Ordinary Passport —the colours of the EAC flag — but with text and national emblems, in gold to complete its face. The outer front cover has the words ‘East African Community’ in gold on top and below the name of the issuing Partner State is pasted.

Issuance of the East African e-Passport commenced on various dates across member states, demonstrating the collective commitment to modernizing travel documentation within the region. Kenya led the way by commencing issuance of the EA e-Passport on 1^st September, 2017; followed by Tanzania on 31^st January, 2018 and Burundi on 31^st May, 2018. Uganda joined the initiative on 18^th December, 2018 and Rwanda followed suit on 1^st July, 2019.

The Republic of South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo are still in the process of implementing the East African e-Passport system, highlighting the ongoing efforts to achieve comprehensive regional integration.

EA e-Passport is expected to boost free movement of people across the region and is in line with the implementation of the Common Market protocol which guarantees the right to move between countries in East Africa.

The EA e-Passport is standardized using minimum standard material such as Polycarbonate bio-data page to have high quality EA e-Passport with large portfolio of integrated security elements. The standard international e-Passport has an electronic chip that holds the same information that is printed on the passport’s data page, the holder’s name, date of birth, and other biographic information. It also contains a biometric identifier and has a digital photograph of the holder and security features to prevent unauthorised reading or “scanning” of data stored.

Features of the East African e-Passport:

• Biometric Identification:
  The e-passport incorporates biometric data such as fingerprints and facial recognition technology, enhancing security and reducing the risk of identity fraud. This ensures that travelers can be reliably authenticated at border checkpoints, bolstering confidence in the integrity of the travel document.
  
  
• Electronic Chip:
  At the heart of the e-passport lies an embedded electronic chip that securely stores the passport holder's information, including personal details, biometric data, and travel history. This digitized format enables quick and efficient verification by immigration authorities, reducing processing times and enhancing border security.
  
  
• Interoperability:
  The East African e-Passport adheres to international standards, ensuring compatibility with electronic systems deployed at airports and border crossings worldwide. This interoperability facilitates smoother travel experiences for EAC citizens, whether within the region or beyond its borders, while also facilitating the integration of regional security databases.
  
  
• Enhanced Security Features:
  In addition to biometric authentication and electronic storage capabilities, the e-passport incorporates advanced security features such as holographic images, digital watermarks, and tamper-evident elements. These measures make the passport highly resistant to counterfeiting and unauthorized alterations, safeguarding the integrity of the travel document and the identity of its holder.

Benefits of the East African e-Passport:

1. Streamlined Travel Procedures:
   The adoption of the EA e-Passport has simplified immigration processes, reducing queues and wait times at border checkpoints. Travelers can enjoy a more seamless and efficient journey, enhancing the overall travel experience and encouraging intra-regional tourism and trade.
   
   
2. Facilitation of regional integration:
   By promoting greater mobility among EAC citizens, the EA e-Passport contributes to the deepening of regional integration efforts. It fosters cross-border collaboration, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connections, strengthening the bonds of unity and solidarity within the East African Community.
   
   
3. Enhanced Border Security:
   The advanced security features of the e-Passport bolster border security efforts, helping authorities to detect and deter fraudulent activities such as identity theft and document forgery. This contributes to safer and more secure borders, safeguarding the well-being of citizens and the integrity of the region.
   
   
4. Global Recognition:
   The East African e-Passport enhances the international standing of EAC Partner States by aligning with global best practices in passport issuance and authentication. This facilitates smoother travel experiences for EAC citizens when visiting other countries and promotes the region as a favorable destination for tourism, investment, and business activities.

The East African e-Passport represents a transformative leap forward in the realm of travel documentation, embodying the principles of innovation, security, and regional cooperation. By leveraging advanced technology to facilitate seamless travel and enhance border security, the e-passport contributes to the realization of the EAC's vision of a more integrated, prosperous, and interconnected East Africa. As Partner States continue to collaborate and invest in the advancement of digital infrastructure, the e-passport serves as a cornerstone of progress, promoting greater mobility, prosperity, and unity across the region and beyond.

Visa-Free Entry

Posted in Immigration

The East African Community (EAC) stands as a beacon of regional integration, fostering cooperation and facilitating movement among its member states. Central to this collaboration is the concept of visa-free entry, which allows citizens of Partner States to travel seamlessly across borders without the need for cumbersome visa processes.

All  Partner States are implementing Article 7(1) of the EAC Common Market Protocol, whereby there is provision for visa-free entry of citizens of EAC Partner States into territories of other EAC Partner States. This policy has not only promoted regional tourism and trade but also strengthened the bonds of unity and solidarity among EAC nations.

Benefits of Visa-Free Entry in the region:

• Trade Enhancement:
  Streamlined travel procedures have contributed to the growth of cross-border trade within the EAC. Businesspeople are able to conduct transactions more efficiently, leading to increased economic activity and regional prosperity.
  
  
• Facilitation of Tourism:
  Visa-free entry has encouraged intra-regional tourism by simplifying travel procedures. Citizens can explore the diverse landscapes, cultures, and attractions of neighboring countries more easily, boosting the regional tourism industry and fostering cultural exchange.
  
  
• Strengthening Regional Integration:
  Visa-free entry has fostered a sense of belonging and unity among EAC citizens. It has promoted cross-cultural understanding, people-to-people connections, and collaboration in various fields, laying the foundation for deeper regional integration.
  
  
• Economic Growth:
  By removing barriers to travel, visa-free entry has stimulated economic growth across multiple sectors. It has encouraged investment, stimulated job creation, and promoted the development of infrastructure to support increased mobility within the region.
  
  
• Enhancing Diplomatic Relations:
  The policy of visa-free entry demonstrates a commitment to cooperation and mutual respect among EAC Partner States. It serves as a symbol of diplomatic goodwill, fostering positive relations and enhancing the region's standing on the global stage.

Implementation and Challenges:

While the concept of visa-free entry holds immense potential, its effective implementation requires concerted efforts from all EAC Partner States. Harmonization of immigration policies, ensuring security measures, and addressing concerns regarding illegal immigration are essential steps in realizing the full benefits of this policy.

Challenges such as border security, immigration control, and managing the influx of visitors are carefully addressed through collaborative mechanisms and technological solutions. Additionally, periodic reviews and adjustments may be necessary to address emerging issues and ensure the continued success of visa-free entry within the EAC.

Visa-free entry stands as a cornerstone of regional integration within the East African Community, promoting mobility, trade, and cooperation among member states. By facilitating travel, fostering economic growth, and strengthening diplomatic ties, this policy paves the way for a more interconnected and prosperous East Africa. With continued collaboration and commitment, the EAC can harness the full potential of visa-free entry to realize its vision of a more united and prosperous regional bloc.

Migration and Development: An Overview

Posted in Immigration

Migration and development are today increasingly viewed through the prism of the many links existing between the two fields. While development-oriented actions may help in tackling the root causes of migratory flows, migration can, in turn, contribute positively to development, including economic growth, social empowerment and technological progress.

Brain Drain

Migration can pose challenges to countries’ development efforts if not well managed. Such phenomenon as ‘brain drain’, experienced by a number of developing countries in key development sectors, call for more cohesive and sustainable policies.

Factors enhancing Development Potential of Migration

Greater partnership between countries of origin, transit and destination as well as the full integration of the migratory dimension in development policies and dialogue on all levels are crucial steps in enhancing the development potential of migration.

Steps undertaken in Partner States to ensure Free Movement of Labour

The EAC Partner States have reviewed various laws related to work permit to ensure free movement of labor. In accordance with Regulation 6(7) of the EAC Common Market (Free Movement of Workers) Regulations, the Competent Authorities in Partner States issue work permits to East Africans wishing to work within the Partner States within thirty days from the date of application. The work permits may be issued for an initial period up to two years and may be renewed upon application. At the same time, Partner States’ citizens are granted the first privilege in case they are competing for the same positions with nationals from outside the EAC region. The Partner States are also in the process of amending their laws to ease issuance of work permits to EAC citizens.

Harmonised classification for issuance of work / resident permit fees and procedures

Pursuant to the decision of the 20th meeting of the Sectoral Council for Ministers responsible for EAC and Planning, held on 13th July 2014, the EAC Secretariat is co-ordinating the process of harmonisation of the work / residence permit fees in accordance with Regulation 6(9) of EAC Common Market (Free Movement of Workers) Annex II. The Secretariat convened a meeting of the multi-sectoral experts drawn from Partner States’ immigration and labor departments / directorates / agencies, Investment Authorities, Employers and Workers, and employer organisations’ associations from 8-10th June 2015 in Nairobi, Kenya.

However, the multi-sectoral experts did not finalise the work and therefore, the proposed harmonised classification and Procedures for issuance of Entry / Work / Residence Permits is still work in progress.

The current status on Work / Residence Permit fees is guided by national laws / administrative procedures put in place by each EAC Partner State. Under the Implementation of the EAC Common Market Protocol, the Republics of Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda have waived payment of Work permit fees for East Africans who are workers and those who are establishing themselves.

Increased Labour Migration

The number of migrants crossing borders in search of employment is expected to increase rapidly due to the failure of globalisation to provide jobs and economic opportunities.

Diaspora Citizens

EAC Citizens residing in other countries are encouraged to register with their embassy.

E-immigration

E-Immigration enables users to request for certain services electronically without having to personally appear before the local immigration authorities, for example applications for entry visas, resident permits, passports and even, exit permission.