EAC makes progress in harmonizing laws for common market
ARUSHA, Tanzania, September 30, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Experts from the EAC today concluded a meeting in Arusha, Tanzania registering substantial progress in identifying areas requiring harmonization in immigration, employment and labour laws, all of which are key for the implementation of the EAC Common Market.
The Task Force on Approximation of National Laws in EAC Context had, between 26-30 September, studied Partner States’ national laws governing employment and labour to identify and consider conflicts and areas of divergence. The meeting also sought to discuss conformity of national laws to the EAC.
The Task Force however deferred consideration of issues pertaining to work permits owing to the absence of labour experts at the meeting. Issues relating to work permits are important in consideration of provisions of the EAC Common Market Protocol touching on Free Movement of Workers, Right of Establishment and Right of Residence.
Noting that these matters are critical to the implementation of the Common Market Protocol, the Task Force recommended their expeditious finalization and requested the EAC Secretariat to convene another meeting before the end of the year.
SOURCE
East African Community (EAC)
