West Africa: Ecovisa – Ecowas Working In direction of Single Visa for West African Nations
The aim of the assembly was to debate the implementation of ECOVISA, associated prices and design as really useful by specialists accountable for visa issuance.
The heads and specialists on immigration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are engaged on the implementation of the ECOVISA, a single visa system much like the Schengen mannequin.
In an announcement issued on the web site of the ECOWAS Fee, the Directorate of Free Motion of Individuals and Migration organised the Seventh Heads of Immigration Assembly in Accra, Ghana, on Could 25.
In an effort to boost international investments and tourism and supply simpler entry to ample alternatives inside the area, the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Authorities adopted the introduction of ECOVISA in 2011.
The fee had been tasked with working in direction of the realisation of this visa for migrants from third international locations.
The aim of the assembly was to debate the implementation of ECOVISA, associated prices, design as really useful by specialists accountable for visa issuance, and management drawn from member states.
The assembly was additionally anticipated to find out the way in which ahead.
Its important goal was to allow a unified voice in addressing mobility and migration challenges inside the area.
Moreover, it served as a platform for representatives from nationwide immigration providers of member states to foster cooperation and coordination on issues relating to frame and migration administration within the area.
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In the course of the assembly, it was really useful {that a} complete comparative evaluation of visa regimes in different continents be performed to make sure the implementation of ECOVISA is aligned with world finest practices.
Moreover, the heads of immigration recognised the necessity for normal engagement to debate modalities and assess the progress of ECOVISA implementation at completely different phases.
These suggestions and choices had been primarily based on the report offered by the ECOVISA specialists who gathered forward of the assembly in Accra on Could 22 and 23.
The specialists centered on visa design, visa regime, visa prices and different technical issues needed for the sleek implementation of ECOVISA.
Nonetheless, it required a collective effort from all stakeholders and key actors concerned in migration administration inside their respective international locations.
