Across artificial borders: An assessment of labour migration in the ECOWAS region

This study aims to improve the evidence base for programmes and policies seeking to facilitate labour mobility for development within the ECOWAS region. The study is based on secondary data collected from available administrative data sources, surveys and censuses in all 15 ECOWAS countries and is complemented by interviews with key informants, such as policymakers, immigration officials and statistical offices. The study identified data sources and compared existing data on labour migration, as well as analysed the structure of labour markets and labour migration. It also examined obstacles faced in the implementation of the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Establishment in each ECOWAS country. The study highlights the absence of comprehensive, reliable and accurate data on migration and labour markets as a major obstacle to the facilitation of labour mobility