Objective 5: Enhance availability and flexibility of pathways for regular migration

The bilateral Agreement on the free movement of persons (AFMP) confers upon the citizens of Switzerland and of the member states of the European Union (EU) the right to freely choose their place of employment and residence within the national territories of the contracting parties.

This is conditional, however, on possession by the individuals concerned of a valid employment contract, being self-employed, or in the case of their not being in gainful employment, proof of financial independence and full health insurance coverage.

Nationals of signatory States may apply for a temporary residence permit of up to two years in another country of the block, and may apply for permanent residence before expiration of the temporary residence permit. These nationals are also provided work permits, the only requirements being that they present a valid passport, birth certificate and police clearance certificate.

Since the early 1990s, Germany has concluded bilateral agreements with Central and Eastern European countries for the seasonal employment of their nationals. The agreements aim to protect the rights of seasonal foreign workers in Germany and to fill labour market gaps.

In 2007, New Zealand introduced the Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSE) Scheme to fill seasonal labour shortages in the horticulture and viticulture industries. Under this scheme, employers can apply for RSE status and then apply to fill vacant seasonal positions for which there are no New Zealand applicants.

The concept of continental free movement is central for the African Union (AU). The preamble of the 1991 Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community (Abuja Treaty) recognizes migrants regardless of their place of residence as an integral part of the national human resources.  

The promotion of employment, improvement of labour market and mobility of skills in ECOWAS region fall within the framework of the implementation of the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons in its three stages - entry, residence, and establishment - the details of which are set out in four additional protocols.

The government of Canada assists immigrants in overcoming barriers so they can establish themselves and their families in Canadian communities through Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) Settlement Program.

A bilateral cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Seychelles and the Government of the Republic of Mauritius has been signed considering the mutual interest and benefits to be accrued to both parties in promoting closer cooperation in education and human resources development.

Main aims

The ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS) was signed on 15 December 1995 by the ASEAN Economic Ministers, allowing for Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA) in various professions and an agreement on the Movement of Natural Persons (MNP) 

• Labour migration and mobility 

Bilateral agreements constitute an effective way to regulate migration flows and to foster development, both in the countries of origin and destination.