Experts advanced draft model law on labour Migration in Africa

Accra, Ghana -Labour migration experts, policymakers and social partners met in Accra from 3 to 5 September for a Technical Experts’ Meeting on the Draft Model Law on Labour Migration in Africa, convened by the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) with technical support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the African Union Commission (AUC).

The meeting marked an important step in efforts to strengthen the governance of labour migration across the continent. The draft Model Law was developed as a rights-based, gender-responsive and development-oriented legal tool to support African Union (AU) Member States in harmonizing national labour migration legislation and aligning with international labour standards and AU frameworks.

During the opening ceremony, representatives of the Ghana Parliament, the AUC and the ILO highlighted the need to address fragmented legal frameworks that leave many migrant workers in Africa exposed to exploitation, limited social protection and decent work deficits.

Over three days, participants:

• Reviewed and validated the latest draft of the Model Law, taking into account ILO gap analyses and AU legal frameworks.
• Mapped national and regional contexts for labour migration governance.
• Discussed implementation pathways to support domestication of the Model Law at country level.

The programme also featured technical sessions on free movement under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the implications of the digital economy and artificial intelligence for migrant workers. Furthermore, contributions from the June 2025 continental consultation in Nairobi were incorporated, reflecting the importance of improved institutional coordination, better data and stronger engagement of social partners.

The meeting concluded with agreement on a technically validated and regionally adaptable Model Law, accompanied by a roadmap for domestication. The next step will be discussion in the PAP Committee on Trade, Customs and Immigration Matters planned for late September 2025.

As a technical partner, the ILO provided expertise throughout the process and ensured that the draft law was consistent with international labour standards. The meeting also contributed to the ILO’s BRMM Phase II project, which focuses on strengthening of labour migration policies and programmes that support fair and productive migration and are evidence-based and gender sensitive.

By reinforcing political and technical consensus, the Accra meeting represented a milestone in advancing the AU’s Agenda 2063, ensuring that labour migration becomes a driver of inclusive development and decent work for all.