Tanzania finally moves to introduce special status to Diaspora

Dodoma. The government has proposed amendments to its laws so as to introduce a 'special status’ to citizens of other countries with Tanzanian roots.

Tabled in Parliament on Friday, November 8, 2024, the Written Laws (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No 4) Bill, 2024, amends the Immigration Act and the Land Act so as to accommodate the changes aimed at strengthening ties with the diaspora community.

The proposals aim, among other objectives, to grant Tanzanian nationals who have acquired citizenships of other countries the legal right to own property, including land, in the motherland, as well as the freedom to transfer or bequeath such assets.

The government is also seeking to ensure that Tanzanians in diaspora who hold passports of other countries are not subjected to the vigorous visa application procedures that foreign nationals go through.

The proposed amendment of the Immigration Act introduces a 'Diaspora Tanzanite Card,' which will be issued to non-citizen members of the Tanzanian diaspora upon receiving special status.

“A card issued in terms of this Act shall be valid for a period of ten years and may be renewed,” states the Bill in part.

The Bill explains in detail the eligibility for the status, procedure for application, conditions and things that may lead to revocation of the special status.

The Diaspora Tanzanite Card grants non-citizen Tanzanians a 'special status,' allowing former Tanzanian citizens and their descendants to enter, reside, and participate in economic and social activities within Tanzania.

According to the Attorney General’s office, the initiative recognises the contributions of Tanzanians abroad and aims to “foster closer ties with Tanzanians overseas.”

Under the proposed amendments, diaspora members with the card will be eligible to apply for a special status, enabling them to invest and work in Tanzania without citizenship restrictions.

“The proposed sections outline that individuals who qualify as non-citizen members of the Tanzanian diaspora and are granted special status will be entitled to specific rights and privileges. These include the right to entry and stay in the United Republic as well as engaging in various economic and social activities,” stated the Attorney General’s Office in its statement of objects and reasons.

Applicants for the special status must meet specific criteria, including having a clean criminal record and upholding Tanzanian cultural values.

Additionally, the card will be valid for ten years, after which it can be renewed.

Holders will also have the option to apply for dependent passes for spouses and children.

A notable provision allows holders of the Diaspora Tanzanite Card to apply for land rights under a “special derivative right,” enabling them to lease land for up to 33 years.

The aspect is expected to attract investment in sectors such as agriculture and tourism, encouraging Tanzanians abroad to participate in local development initiatives.

If passed, the amendments will pave the way for the diaspora to reconnect with their roots while creating avenues for investments and skill-sharing within Tanzania.

The issue of the diaspora was crucial to Tanzania, especially considering that in 2023 alone, diaspora remittances to the country totalled $751 million.

The government said this week that it plans to increase that amount to $1.5 billion come 2028.