Kampala, Uganda, 15 November 2024 - Preparations for the upcoming High-Level East African Community (EAC) Regional Consultative Process on Immigration scheduled to take place from 18th–22nd November 2024 in Entebbe, Uganda, are in full swing, with key representatives from EAC Partner States coming together to discuss critical issues surrounding immigration policies and practices in the region. 

The 5-day conference embodies EAC's commitment to enhancing cooperation on migration matters, reaping benefits of migration whilst addressing the challenges posed by migration, and promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration within East Africa. The gathering will focus on regional frameworks, best practices, and collaborative solutions that align with the EAC’s integration agenda in areas of labour, border governance, health, and climate action, with the main objective of continuing to align and advance migration governance within the East Africa.

The EAC region has a population of over 300 million and hosts nearly 6 million international migrants and close to 17 million displaced persons and refugees. 

Migration has been impacting the region’s social and economic landscape for years. But there has been an absence of a consolidated regional framework for addressing migration collectively, creating challenges for governments in the region, migrants and the displaced, and the communities that host them. 

RCPs are state-led informal platforms for information-sharing, discussion, and networking among states aimed at promoting cooperation in the field of migration. 

These forums bring together ministries, departments, and government agencies to discuss emerging migration trends, share and exchange best practices amongst partner states, and develop action plans on key thematic areas.

The goal is to translate these plans into a declaration on the steps that are to be taken to enhance regional cooperation on migration, which it is expected Ministers will sign at the end of the RCP. 

Speaking ahead of the conference, the EAC Secretary-General, Hon. Veronica Nduva said, "This conference is a crucial step towards forging stronger collaboration among member states in addressing immigration challenges. It highlights our commitment to ensuring the free movement of people while balancing security and governance." 

Frantz Celestin, IOM’s Regional Director for East, Horn, and Southern Africa, highlights the importance of the RCP. “This RCP aligns perfectly with IOM's strategic plan and one of its three key objectives—facilitate pathways for regular migration by promoting safe, orderly and regular migration. IOM is committed to supporting the EAC in developing regional frameworks that prioritize the rights and well-being of people on the move and harnessing the positive impact of migration." 

The meeting is supported by IOM’s Better Migration Management Programme which aims to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration, and support migration governance in the region. The programme is implemented by the British Council, CIVIPOL, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, IOM, and UNODC in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Uganda. 

For more information, please contact: 

Simon Peter Owaka, Senior Public Relations Officer, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department, EAC Secretariat, on sowaka@eachq.org or call +255 768 552087. 

IOM East, Horn and Southern Africa Regional Office Media and Communication Unit on RONairobiMCU@iom.int or call +254 797 735 977.