Even as the three presidents of the East African states exude confidence about the future of the East African Community, promising a political federation for the region in five years, the reality is that the 10-year-old trading bloc is entering its most difficult period. Last week's meeting in Arusha between President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania took place against the background of rising tension among the member states over restrictive immigration regulations, especially the issuance of work permits. Restrictions on the movement of labour remains a major problem and citizens of the region have had no advantage over other foreigners either in the issuance of work permits or the fees charged.