Same policy but different implications for different people? An analysis of how diverse categories of ECOWAS nationals experience the Free Movement Protocol

Abstract

The adoption and implementation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Free Movement Protocol was meant to facilitate trade, investment and easy movement of persons within the West African sub-region. A number of empirical studies have been conducted on the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol, its operationalization, and implementation challenges. Studies have drawn attention to areas of progress, success stories and difficulties associated with movement, residence and rights of establishment. However, little is known about how different aspects of the Protocol impact differently on diverse groups of ECOWAS migrants. This has created the impression that the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement has homogenous implications for all ECOWAS migrants. Drawing on desk-based research complemented by a critical literature review of policy documents and data/administrative records and by 23 in-depth interviews conducted with different ECOWAS nationals living and working in different sectors in Ghana as well as immigration officials and a trade union representative, this paper examines the diversity of experiences of ECOWAS migrants in relation to the Free Movement Protocol. The findings suggest that the experiences of ECOWAS nationals in areas such as awareness and knowledge of provisions in the Protocol, border crossing, processes of acquiring residence and work permits and renewing permits, as well as rights of establishment differ remarkably by dimensions of social difference. While the Protocol on Free Movement has enabled ECOWAS citizens to benefit from opportunities in member countries and from enhanced regional integration, there remain a number of challenges. Above all, the experiences of ECOWAS migrants with respect to the Protocol are not the same for everyone. Issues such as age, gender, social class, and nationality, among others, are fundamental and shape the experiences of ECOWAS migrants in divergent ways. The paper concludes with targeted suggestions for promoting intra-regional migration while addressing the diversity of experiences of ECOWAS migrants.