Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Migrant Workers (Supplementary Provisions) Convention, 1975 (No. 143) - Benin (Ratification: 1980)

Article 14(a) of the Convention. Restrictions concerning employment and geographical mobility within the country. The Committee notes that, in reply to its request to promptly adopt measures to repeal Decree No. 77-45 of 4 March 1977 regulating the movement of foreign nationals and subjecting foreign workers to special authorization to leave their town of residence, the Government indicates once again that this Decree is no longer relevant and that, there is thus no restriction on the movement of foreign nationals in the national territory. The Government recognizes that this text has not been formally repealed and undertakes to complete the necessary formalities to ensure it is repealed as soon as possible. The Committee notes the fact that this decree has fallen into disuse but also observes that it has been raising this issue for over 20 years. Recalling that, under Article 14(a) of the Convention, migrant workers who reside lawfully in the country must have the right to geographical mobility, the Committee once again urges the Government to take the necessary measures to formally repeal Decree No. 77-45 of 4 March 1977 regulating the movement of foreign nationals, and to provide information on the measures taken in this regard.

The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.