From the 6th to the 7th of March 2024, the Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECO SOCC) held a collaborative workshop with the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), in Seychelles. The aim of the workshop was a collective discussion on the movement of people within Africa.
As a Member of the PAP Committee on Trade, Customs and Immigration Matters, Hon. Wavel Woodcock made an insightful and detailed presentation on the migration and movement of people in Seychelles.
It was noted that Seychelles, Rwanda and Mauritius are the top three leading countries in terms of the free movement of people. Currently, Seychelles has no visa requirements for foreigners, with Hon. Woodcock commenting that there is "an exemplary level of border control".
The workshop emphasises the need to ratify the African Union Free Movement Protocol, to help in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This protocol aims to establish the safety and rights of the people travelling within the African continent.
