Tanzania govt steps in to quell ‘rumours’ on working permit restrictions

Dar es Salaam.  The government on Monday August 6 distanced itself from reports which had gone viral on social media, saying ‘no Tanzanian working abroad would be allowed to exit the country’s borders without going through procedures of getting a special permit.”

According to the widespread reports, a person working abroad was now being obliged to report to the embassy (here in Tanzania) of the country he/she is working in to secure permit. In addition, one was supposed to submit a job contract for signing before returning abroad.

And, the reports added, a person working abroad, upon arrival in Tanzania was obliged to report to the Ministry of Home Affairs for clearance and later getting a letter from the police after paying ShSh100, 000 for a permit from the Employment Services Agency (Taesa) 

The Immigration department spokesperson Ally Mtanda has come out to refute the reports.

“These are just rumors spread by a person or group of people with their own intention,” he said in a statement.

The truth of the matter is, said Mtanda, government is putting restrictions on Tanzanians who were leaving the country to work abroad in unskilled jobs such as house maids.

 “… those who are already abroad and their job contracts are still valid for the next six months or so, they have to come with the copies upon visiting their  mother country, [Tanzania],’ said the statement.

 “In addition to that, they should have in hand the copies of their residence permits…’’ added the statement.

The government said it was tightening the screw on immigration procedures to protect Tanzanians from abuse by their employers.

“We will have zero tolerance on those who will keep on spreading the rumours. Legal action would be taken against them,” the starement reads further.