A good example is the Schengen Zone in Europe. About 26 countries in Europe came up with a union agreement which allows the member states citizens to free movements within those countries as if though it is one.

This is pretty interesting because for a non-member individual like Rose, I can still visit all those countries using a single unifying visa called the Schengen visa within whatever duration I am given. Isn’t it interesting? ? I think it is!

To begin with, I share in the view that the Union passport will generate more advantages as opposed to the disadvantages that may also arise with it.

In relation to that, for the prospective member states to enjoy the full benefits the union passport is more likely to create, like:

1. A wide visa free travel options within the member states:

2. Affordable social amenities like education amongst others;

3. Taking advantage of the tax Havens;

4. Easy facilitation of socio-economic activities at an international level etc;

It is very fundamental to set things right from the beginning. For me, the first most important element here is the regulations that will govern the member states agreement.

The AU must set minimum standards which will aim at ensuring that a nember state’s laws will still be able to protect its citizens while it remains in alignment with the union regulations.

This will not only minimise on the impediments like bigger markets taking over small ones, but will in a way also ensure a state retains its symbol of national identity and principle of sovereignty, which is otherwise likely to be threatened or challenged by more power shifting to the union level.

Put differently, the question of power balance at both levels is vital in achieving the goal at hand.

Again, the Societal consent may also be necessary. Free movement will bring with a lot of changes even with export import standards of goods. In that light, it is necessary that the farmers, the manufacturers and the society at large are well in advance prepared for the changes. That is why it has to be gradual process.

If these guidelines are considered well in advance… and if you asked me, I would say I am for the AU passport!