Would you rather move to the other side of the world or to the country next door? Intra-continental immigration has always been a step ahead of long-distance relocations, and the Covid pandemic has only reinforced this trend. Which are the easiest countries for intra-continental immigration, and what are the benefits?
Moving within the European Union
The European Union (EU) has with no doubt one of the best frameworks for intra-continental immigration. Indeed, citizens of EU countries are automatically conferred European nationality. So they are allowed to move to another EU country without a visa, even to study or to retire. In practice, travellers can stay for 3 months without having to register at the local authorities, as long as they have a valid identity card or passport. Moreover, unlike migration outside the EU, European citizens can seek work in any EU country without any other document than their identity papers.
To stay more than three months, the formalities are quite straightforward. All expats have to do is go to a local authority (town hall or police station) that will issue a registration certificate. Applicants need to present their identity papers and other documents depending on the reason for the extension of stay. Those who are planning to work need to present a certificate of employment or a letter of offer. The self-employed, for their part, have to present a document proving their status. Retirees will provide proof of health insurance and sufficient income to support themselves. They also have to inform their home country's social security system of their plans to move abroad. Students have to provide proof of enrollment in an approved educational institution, proof of health insurance, and proof of sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. The certificate received is valid for an indefinite period, but they need to report any change of address.
Freedom of movement and social benefits
In addition to the benefits conferred by dual citizenship, Schengen agreements ensure the free movement of individuals within the Schengen area. All EU countries have signed the free movement agreement, except Ireland. Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are the 4 non-EU countries that have also signed the agreement.
There are many other benefits to European citizenship and freedom of movement, such as social assistance and study grants. It may also be easier to move to a country with a substantially similar culture to ours. Geographical proximity also plays a significant role in intra-continental immigration, even more since the beginning of the global health crisis.
The African Union wants freedom of movement for Africans
The African Union is looking to achieve full political and economic union, including the free movement of people within the continent, by 2063. This virtuous circle would be unique in the world. To reach its target, the African Union (AU) believes in the abolition of visas and reducing travel formalities for African citizens. In 2019, the African Union (AU) Commission and the African Development Bank (AfDB) established a visa openness index in Africa. One of the observations made is that for the first time, African travellers have more straightforward access to more than half of the continent. In the AU's opinion, this is another step forward since opening borders is one of the keys to sustainable economic growth. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the AfDB since 2015, shares the same views. According to him, the free movement of people, particularly workforce mobility, is crucial to promoting investments.
What are the challenges for the free movement of people in Africa?
While the Covid pandemic has slowed down progress in this area, the AU reminds African countries of the urgency to ratify the Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons. The Africa Visa Openness Report 2021 points out that to date, only 33 countries have signed the PLCP, representing 61% of countries. To date, only four have ratified it (Mali, Niger, Rwanda and Sao Tome and Principe). Still, a minimum of 15 ratifications is required for the Protocol to come into force. In 2021, 24% of African countries allowed citizens of other African countries to obtain a visa upon arrival, which means a loss of 4 points compared to 2020. At the same time, more countries are requesting a visa: 51% in 2021, compared to 46% in 2020. Today, 24 African countries offer e-visas, including Zambia, Tunisia, Angola and Egypt. Benin, Seychelles and Gambia are open visa-free to all other African countries. The other countries (Senegal, Ghana, Mauritius, Morocco, Algeria, etc.) limit their visa-free opening to certain countries.
In the 2021 Report, Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Vice-President of the African Union Commission, calls for stronger measures to facilitate intra-continental immigration. She believes that much more can be done to reduce bureaucracy, address security issues and simplify visa application procedures in order to promote the free movement of Africans. The three pillars supporting this policy are the Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) (signed by 38 countries, that is 70% of African countries) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) signed by 34 countries that is 63%. Defenders of free trade believe that Africa's economic and social prosperity depends on these three pillars. A larger number of signatory countries should make things easier for intra-continental immigration. For Monique Nsanzabaganwa, there is an urgency to strengthen the freedom of Africans and allow them to move around their continent.
US/Canada Bilateral Agreements
Although less extensive than in the EU or AU, the United States and Canada agreements allow citizens of either country to cross the border without a visa provided they have a valid passport. But to stay permanently, they will need to obtain a visa. Many Canadians having family in the United States go through the family reunification process. The procedure is more straightforward for American citizens. Canadians are eligible for a Green Card that grants permanent residency. Another way of moving is by getting sponsored by an American company. This applies to candidates from the following categories: EB1 (very highly qualified in science, economics, teaching, arts, sport, research), EB2 (specific skills in arts, economics, science, etc.) or EB3 (other qualified workers).
The express visa is the easiest option for Americans who wish to work in Canada. Procedures to immigrate to Canada are more straightforward and quicker (6 months or less). Citizens from certain countries, including the United States, can apply to 3 programs: the "federal skilled worker program" for skilled workers who have had experience abroad; the "Canadian experience class" for candidates who have already worked in Canada and the "federal skilled trades program" for workers with specific qualifications in a professional field.
There are 3 other visas for Americans who want to work in Canada. The "North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) work permit" is an agreement signed between Canada, the United States and Mexico offering an international mobility program. It facilitates the transfer of employees from a company to its branch in one of the signatory countries. The "Employer specific work permit" allows a Canadian employer to recruit a foreign professional for a specific position if he can prove that no Canadian citizen has the required skills for the said position. However, this permit is attached to a specific job. Any change of position will therefore require obtaining a new work permit. The "Spousal open work permit" is an open and unlimited visa that allows the foreign spouse of a Canadian citizen to work in Canada.
Benefits of intra-continent expatriation
In addition to administrative facilities, intra-continental immigration is often less stressful than long-distance immigration. Citizens can travel more easily to the country of their choice and test the waters to see whether it suits their ambitions. It is also easier to move with a family. Most of the time, neighbouring countries share a common culture or even a common language. In Covid times, expatriates prefer intra-continental immigration so that they can travel to their home country whenever it's convenient for them. On a practical level, the cost of moving to a neighbouring country is lower, and it's also easier to return.
