Despite the presence of regional and international protection frameworks, Africa’s migrant workers continue to face widespread exploitation, abuse, and insecurity, the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation has warned.
In a statement released on December 18, General Secretary Akhator Odigie highlighted that Africa remains a region of origin, transit, and destination for migrants, with the majority of movements occurring within the continent, largely driven by economic hardship and insecurity.
According to the statement, “Africa’s workers migrate in search of decent work, safety and opportunity.
They are pushed by unemployment, inequality, conflict, climate stress and weak labour markets. Migrants and migrant workers are first and foremost human beings and workers, and they deserve protection, dignity and respect.”
Representing over 18 million workers across Africa, ITUC-Africa lamented that the reality confronting many migrants sharply contradicts these ideals.
“Sadly, many migrants, migrant workers and members of their families continue to face exploitation, abusive recruitment, wage theft, forced labour, trafficking and discrimination. Women migrant workers and young people are especially vulnerable to violence, harassment and dangerous irregular migration pathways,” the statement said.
ITUC-Africa stressed that the ongoing abuse is not due to a lack of policy frameworks, noting that numerous international and continental instruments are already in place.
“There is no shortage of frameworks to protect migrant workers. ILO Conventions, the Fair Recruitment Principles, the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, as well as African Union and Regional Economic Communities’ migration and labour instruments provide clear guidance,” the union explained.
The organisation pointed out that the real challenge lies in poor implementation and enforcement.
“Implementation gaps remain wide. Weak regulation of recruitment agencies, lack of political will, limited labour inspection, deep structural inequalities and poor access to justice continue to fuel exploitation and irregular migration,” it warned.
ITUC-Africa also criticized the increasing reliance on security-focused migration policies, calling them ineffective and harmful.
“Security-only approaches and the externalisation of borders have failed. They push migrants into more dangerous routes while enriching traffickers and smugglers who profit from human desperation,” the statement said.
Calling for immediate action, the union urged African governments to place greater focus on workers’ rights and social protection in migration governance.
“We call on African governments to strengthen protection for migrant workers by investing in decent work, social protection, fair recruitment and effective labour migration governance,” it stated.
The organisation further appealed to African Union member states to ratify and implement the AU Free Movement Protocol adopted in 2018.
“We strongly urge AU member states to ratify the Free Movement Protocol to advance Agenda 2063, unlock the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, and restore dignity to migrants, migrant workers and their families,” ITUC-Africa said.
In addition, the group urged the African Union and Regional Economic Communities to ensure that continental integration efforts prioritize labour rights.
“Free movement and AfCFTA ambitions must be anchored in workers’ rights and social dialogue. This requires sincere, collaborative and inclusive engagement with all key stakeholders, particularly organised labour. Trade unions remain committed to building alliances with non-state actors and engaging constructively with governments and other stakeholders. Our goal is to ensure the safety, rights and dignity of all migrants across Africa,” the statement concluded.
