The heads and experts on immigration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are working together to implement ECOVISA, a single visa system similar to the Schengen model.
The purpose of the recent meeting in Accra, Ghana, was to discuss the implementation of ECOVISA, including related costs, design, and control measures recommended by visa issuance experts.
The introduction of ECOVISA was adopted by the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in 2011 to boost foreign investments, promote tourism, and facilitate easier access to opportunities within the region.
The ECOWAS Commission’s Directorate of Free Movement of Persons and Migration has been entrusted with the task of realizing this visa system for migrants from third countries.
The meeting in Accra sought to establish a unified approach to addressing mobility and migration challenges within the region. It also served as a platform for representatives from national immigration services of member states to enhance cooperation and coordination in border and migration management.
One of the key recommendations from the meeting was to conduct a comprehensive comparative analysis of visa regimes in other continents to ensure that the implementation of ECOVISA aligns with global best practices.
The heads of immigration also acknowledged the importance of regular engagement to discuss the details and assess the progress of ECOVISA implementation at different stages.
The decisions and recommendations made during the meeting were based on the report provided by ECOVISA experts who had convened before the meeting in Accra. These experts focused on visa design, visa regime, visa costs, and other technical considerations necessary for the smooth implementation of ECOVISA.
However, achieving the successful implementation of ECOVISA requires a collective effort from all stakeholders and key actors involved in migration management within their respective countries.
