Chad’s Visa-Free Policy Wins Continental Backing as African Nations Face Fresh Challenge

Chad’s Visa-Free Policy Wins Continental Backing as African Nations Face Fresh Challenge

Chad’s decision to abolish visa requirements for citizens of all African countries has received strong support from the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa), which says the move could reshape labour mobility and accelerate regional integration across the continent.

The organisation believes the policy, which takes effect on January 1, 2027, could unlock new economic opportunities by making it easier for Africans to live, work and do business across borders. It has also urged other African governments to consider adopting similar measures.

In a statement, ITUC-Africa General Secretary, Comrade Akhator Joel Odigie, described Chad’s decision as a bold step towards building a more connected Africa where workers, entrepreneurs and investors can move freely and contribute to shared prosperity.

He said removing visa restrictions would allow Africans to take greater advantage of opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while strengthening trade, investment, tourism and skills exchange across the continent.

According to Odigie, Africa’s economic integration cannot reach its full potential if people continue to face barriers to movement.

“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 added that freer movement would create more jobs, reduce youth unemployment and encourage businesses to tap into a wider pool of talent across Africa.

While welcoming the initiative, ITUC-Africa stressed that opening borders should not come at the expense of workers’ rights.

The organisation said Africans seeking employment in other countries must be protected through fair labour practices, equal treatment, social protection, freedom of association and safeguards against exploitation, discrimination, forced labour and abusive recruitment.

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

He also urged the Chadian government to back the visa-free policy with effective border management, transparent administrative procedures and practical measures that safeguard the rights and dignity of migrant workers.

ITUC-Africa further called on trade unions and other stakeholders to play active roles in monitoring the implementation of the policy to ensure labour standards are not weakened.

The organisation challenged governments across the continent to accelerate the implementation of the African Union Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Right of Establishment, insisting that Africa’s integration agenda can only succeed when its people are free to move, work and contribute wherever opportunities exist.

Commending Chad for taking what it described as a courageous step, ITUC-Africa expressed hope that the country’s decision would inspire a wider shift towards an Africa with fewer barriers, stronger economies and greater opportunities for its people.