Allowing only highly skilled workers, exorbitant work permit fees and the tedious process of documentation are part of the restrictive conditions stifling free movement of labour within the East African bloc, according to a new study report.

The study, carried out by the Southern and Eastern African Trade, Information and Negotiations Institute (SEATINI) Uganda, shows unemployment will remain high in the region unless member states create an environment that allows employment of the majority jobless youth who are not highly educated.

For instance, the research points out Article 10 (13) of the Common Market Protocol (CMP) which provides for only free movement of highly skilled workers such as corporate managers and science engineers, among others.

“…Contrary to popular assumptions, the free movement of workers under the CMP is not a right of all workers in East Africa but a privilege of only a few skilled workers,” reads the report entitled: Free Movement of Workers in East Africa: Implications on Youth Employment in Uganda.

According to the study, Kenya can only allow a person to seek employment in the country when he/she is above 35 years, which locks out majority of the youth.

The report analysed the free movement of workers in the East African Community, mainly focusing on its implications for youth employment in Uganda.

It involved private sectors, trade unions and government institutions to draw opinions.

Speaking at the launch of the findings in Kampala on Thursday, Mr Martin Wandera, the report author, said Ugandans are more likely to lose out in the EAC partnership if government fails to make necessary strategies.

“Uganda has many push factors compelling labour outflow, which is already attracting brain drain.Government needs to repossess some of the privatised state corporations to create jobs for youths,” Mr Wandera said.

Ms Jane Nalunga, SEATINI Uganda country director, said the region should reduce high levels of jobless growth, exporting jobs and an unfavourable legislative environment.

Read the Press statement for the launch of FMW Report from SEATINI Uganda here.