EAC finalising e-Immigration system

Mary Makoffu, EAC Director for Social Sectors


The EAC regional e-Immigration officials have convened in Mwanza, to consider the outcome of last year’s approved feasibility study on a harmonised regional e-Immigration system and also to review the Terms of Reference for its Strategic Framework.

The meeting will also review design and features of the proposed new generation East African Passport whose computer generated design based on the minimum basic technical specifications has been endorsed by the Chiefs of Immigration.

EAC Director for Social Sectors, Mary Makoffu noted that e-Immigration had become pertinent in terms of service delivery in the region and as such, it is necessary to involve immigration departments in the Partner States and other government agencies in the national e-Government plans.

To achieve this she called for Ministries of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) and e-government agencies to engage and facilitate the free movement of persons and goods across state lines.

2013 marks the fourth year since EAC Common Market Protocol was set in motion and so far One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) have been set up and an EAC Common Market Protocol Handbook for Immigration officers in the Partner States published.

“The Handbook highlights the provisions of the Common Market Protocol pertaining to immigration issues…it is aimed at better equipping immigration officers with the knowledge of the Protocol and its implications on immigration,” the EAC Director for Social Sectors explained.

In 2007, EAC Partner States identified five priority areas for the implementation under regional e-Immigration:

Development of an EAC Regional e-Immigration Strategic framework, development of e-Immigration Systems, capacity Building for e-Immigration and establishment of an EAC Regional e-Immigration Technical Working Group.



SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN