Immigrants in Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso is a West African country that has traditionally been a country of emigration rather than immigration. However, in recent years, the country has seen an increase in the number of immigrants, particularly from neighboring countries such as Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, and Ghana.
Most of these immigrants come to Burkina Faso in search of work, as the country's economy has been growing in recent years and there are opportunities for employment, particularly in agriculture and mining. Immigrants are also attracted to Burkina Faso's relative stability compared to some of its neighboring countries.
There are also a significant number of refugees and displaced persons in Burkina Faso due to conflict and instability in neighboring countries. As of early 2021, there were more than 1 million internally displaced persons and refugees in Burkina Faso, many of whom have fled violence in Mali and Niger.
Despite the growing number of immigrants in Burkina Faso, the country has not yet developed a comprehensive policy framework to address the needs of immigrants and refugees. This has led to challenges for immigrants, particularly in terms of access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.