IGAD proposes single visa system to strengthen regional mobility
By Nancy Marende, October 20, 2025The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has unveiled a proposal to introduce a Single Visa Initiative to enhance regional mobility, economic development, and tourism among its member states.
The initiative seeks to establish a harmonized, unified digital visa system for non-IGAD citizens visiting the region, streamlining border procedures and positioning the IGAD bloc as a competitive destination for international visitors and investors.
Speaking during the opening of the Experts Meeting of the 3rd IGAD Ministerial Conference on Labour, Employment, and Labour Migration in Nairobi on Monday, October 20, 2025, IGAD Chairperson for Free Movement Cluster Souleimon Meïmin Robleh stated that regional mobility is an engine for development in the region.
“Regional mobility is not a threat, it is an engine for shared development. Through IGAD’s Free Movement Protocol, we are building a future where borders connect rather than divide our people and economies.”
Anchored in Article 13(A) of the IGAD founding agreement and aligned with the IGAD Protocol on Free Movement of Persons (FMP), the proposal aims to address fragmented visa regimes that currently hinder regional integration.
Furthermore, IGAD envisions a dual-track approach that involves accelerating the ratification of the FMP while developing the single visa system.
The initiative also includes plans to introduce a Regional Biometric Identity Card (IRBIC) for IGAD citizens to facilitate internal mobility, particularly benefiting pastoralist and cross-border communities.
Currently, IGAD’s visa-free reciprocity score stands at only 14 percent, a key barrier to regional integration and economic growth.
From left, Gen Mangar Buong, Khumbula Ndaba, IGAD , Ambassador Moussa Meigague, IOM East, Horn , Nihan Erdogen, Hellen Apiyo, Souleman Moumin Roblen , Sirralkhatim Mohammed, Dawit Moges, Joel Odigie in Nairobi on October 20, 2025. PHOTO/@IGADsecretariat/X
The IGAD Ministerial Conference
The two-day technical session that ends on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, brings together senior experts from IGAD member states to shape policy recommendations on labour mobility, employment policies, and migration governance ahead of the ministerial deliberations.
Participants include representatives from Ministries of Labour and Employment, Interior, Immigration, and Foreign Affairs, as well as Social Partners comprising employer federations and trade union organizations from across the IGAD region.