While you guys are discussing about Zitto's arrival others are doing the following. It is about time , we should stop this habit of constantly discussing this poor guy. Let's start looking at a big picture. Otherwise, we are going to be slaves in our own country.
No more work permits, inequity for EAC citizens
Workers within the East African Community are poised for exciting times as partner states move to ratify the Common Market Protocol.
The protocol, which was signed by the five heads of state Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi last month, will allow East Africans to work anywhere within the region without any form of discrimination.
Currently, some member states require citizens from member countries to secure work permits before they can be employed in their territories.
But the Common Market Protocol, which is expected to come into force in July next year, will allow such persons to compete for jobs with citizens of the member state on equal terms.
Such employees will enjoy the freedom of association and collective bargaining for better working conditions, in accordance with the national laws of the partner states.
They will also enjoy the rights and benefits of social security as accorded to workers of the host country.
The Council of Ministers, which is the decision-making organ of the East African Community, is expected to make regulations on social security benefits.
However, free movement of labour, as stipulated in the Common Market Protocol, will hardly benefit civil servants.
According to the Protocol, only in cases and they might be rare where the national laws and regulations of a host partner state so permit shall the provisions apply to employment in the public service.
To make free movement of labour a reality, partner states have agreed to recognise academic and professional qualifications such as licences and certificates issued in member states.
They have also agreed to harmonise curricula, certification and accreditation of educational and training institutions.
They will also harmonise labour policies, national laws and programmes to facilitate the free movement of labour within the Community.
National social security policies, laws and systems will also be harmonised to provide for social security for self-employed persons from partner states.
The partner states shall ensure non-discrimination of workers on the basis of their nationalities, in relation to employment, remuneration and other conditions of work and employment, the protocol declares.
Not only will this move benefit individuals looking for employment opportunities in an expanded and a more competitive job market, it will also help private firms with cross-border operations reduce the cost of doing business since they will not be required to pay for work permits for their employees.
Source:
http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/-/2558/831024/-/view/printVersion/-/hd9toe/-/index.html