Nationals of West African states have staged a protest in the Central African Republic (CAR) capital, Bangui to denounce the new fees for acquiring residence permits.
The protestors rallied outside the Nigerian embassy in Bangui where they criticized the charges as exorbitant and discriminatory.
Central African Republic’s parliament recently approved changes to the immigration law, which prescribes 100,000 Francs or $110 as fees for residence cards for citizens of the ECOWAS bloc and 50,000 Francs or $55 for nationals of Central African states.
Mark John, a protester said they were being forced to pay 650,000 ($708), which is why all the ECOWAS countries are gathered this morning at the Nigerian Embassy to voice their anger over what is happening in CAR.
There’s been no word from the country’s authorities on the allegations.
Central African Republic is home to many foreigners from West Africa who mostly work in the business and retail sectors. But with order returning, the country is keen to regularize immigration.
Authorities have previously accused some migrants of being mercenary fighters.
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