Dar es Salaam. Tanzanians living abroad (the diaspora) are urging the introduction of dual citizenship to tackle looming challenges such as fraud and exploitation, particularly in investment matters.
Despite repeated calls, the government maintains its position on dual citizenship, as outlined in Tanzania’s Citizenship Act, Cap 357, RE of 2002, as it allows dual citizenship for children but not adults.
This stance was reaffirmed in Parliament earlier this year by Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Daniel Sillo, when responding to a question from in response to a question from CCM Special Seats Member of Parliament Suma Fyandomo, regarding the government's reluctance to adopt dual citizenship.
The deputy minister’s response was echoed by former Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mbarouk Nassor Mbarouk, who said any change would require a formal government-led process.
But, a Tanzanian living in UK, Mr Michael Mlowe shared a distressing account of being defrauded by someone he had trusted as a partner.
“She defrauded me of a house and several plots of land after I sent money for their purchase,” explained Mr Mlowe during his recent interview with The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi.
According to him, when disagreements arose, Mr Mlowe was falsely accused.
“She falsely accused me of harassment, claiming I am a foreigner who causes disturbances whenever I visit Tanzania,” he added.
Mr Mlowe emphasised that dual citizenship could provide legal protection, saying, “We are treated as non-citizens, leaving us vulnerable to fabricated lies and property theft.”
Similarly, a Tanzanian in the United States, Mr Hamidu Mwasanyage, shared how relatives and friends misappropriated funds intended for investments.
“A friend here supported his brother through university, only to discover that the money meant for farmland in Morogoro was used by his brother to marry two wives,” he said.
Mr Mwasanyage also recounted how his wife and her friends pooled Sh10 million to buy land in Kigamboni, only to be defrauded.
Another Tanzanian living in Norway, Mr Mars Lyimo, described losing contact with a friend after lending money.
A Tanzanian in South Africa, Mr Adinani Milanzi revealed how a farm he co-owned with his brother was sold without his consent.
Proposed solutions
An economic analyst, Mr Oscar Mkude identified low income levels and a lack of integrity among trusted individuals as key drivers of fraud.
“To mitigate these risks, diaspora members should consider using registered institutions for project management and ensure accountability through formal agreements,” he advised.
He also emphasised treating investments as legal transactions, “Management contracts provide recourse when trusted individuals fail to deliver.”
The Diaspora's role in Tanzania's economy
The Tanzanian diaspora remains a crucial contributor to the nation's economy.
As calls for dual citizenship intensify, many members of the diaspora hope the government will reassess its position to better safeguard the rights and investments of Tanzanians living abroad.
