The main migration policy instruments in Benin:

Non-exhaustive list of key policy documents in the area of migration:

• 1962/1970: Ratification of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol.
• 1979: ECOWAS Protocols on the Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Establishment (1979, 1985, 1990)
• 1973: Ratification of the 1969 AU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa.
• 1986: Law No. 86-012 of 31 January 1986 on the regime for foreigners in the People's Republic of Benin
• 2004: Ratification of the 2000 Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants and the 2000 Protocol on Trafficking in Human Beings.
• 2006: Law No. 2006-04 on the conditions of displacement of minors and repression of child trafficking.

The main ministries in charge of migration affairs:

• Ministry of the Interior, Public Security and Worship: Emigration and immigration management; border management.
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, Francophonie and Beninese Abroad: relations with nationals abroad; dissemination of information; assistance to returning migrants; protection of nationals abroad.
• Ministry of the Family: Fight against trafficking in human beings.

 Sources:

• ICMPD et OIM (2016): Enquête sur les politiques migratoires en Afrique de l’Ouest. Deuxième édition. https://fmmwestafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/fr-A_Survey_on_Migration_Policies_in_West_Africa_FR_SOFT2nd.pdf
• Organisation Internationale pour les migrations (OIM 2011): Migration au Bénin: Profil National. http://publications.iom.int/books/migration-au-benin-profil-national-2011
• United Nations DESA-Population Division and UNICEF (2014): Migration Profiles - Common Set of Indicators. https://esa.un.org/MigGMGProfiles/Indicators/indicators.HTM

Last updated: September 2018