Why border residents, migrants struggle for identity in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. As the world commemorated International Migrants Day on December 18, 2024, stories from border communities in Kigoma Region painted a grim picture of the challenges faced by both migrants and Tanzanian citizens.

The group highlights a shared struggle for identity, livelihood, and recognition.

For residents like Saidi Musa, a 29-year-old from Kibondo district, the lack of a national identification card has left him in limbo.

Born and raised in the area, Saidi has spent years trying to obtain the crucial document, only to face repeated setbacks.

“I have submitted all the required papers, but they keep telling me to wait,” Saidi explained. “They say my name sounds foreign, and I should prove I’m Tanzanian. How do I prove what I already know?”

Saidi’s predicament is not unique. In Kasulu and Kibondo, stringent immigration checks and prolonged delays in issuing IDs have pushed many into statelessness.

Border communities, often connected by intermarriages and shared cultures with neighbouring countries, find themselves caught in bureaucratic red tape.

According to Dignity Kwanza, a local organisation advocating for migrant and citizen rights, many residents give up on the lengthy process altogether.

This increases their vulnerability, denying them access to basic rights and services.

“The high level of migration in these areas has resulted in stricter scrutiny for applicants of National Identification Cards,” reads a recent policy brief from the organisation.

“This has left many people at risk of statelessness, a status that deprives them of rights they are entitled to as citizens.”

The National Identification Authority (Nida) acknowledges the challenges.

Nida’s head of communication, Mr Geoffrey Tengeneza, admitted that the verification process for border residents is complex.

“When issuing IDs, we must ensure thorough checks to avoid granting them to non-eligible individuals,” Mr Tengeneza said.

He explained that Nida collaborates with district security committees to scrutinise applications.

For migrants like Jean Claude, a Burundian refugee living in Nyarugusu Camp, the situation is equally dire.

Jean Claude fled Burundi 8 years ago, seeking safety in Tanzania. While he has managed to pursue an education, his prospects of employment remain bleak.

“I graduated from college last year, but I cannot find work outside the camp,” Jean Claude shared. “I feel like my future is stuck.”

Refugees are allowed to work in Tanzania but face significant restrictions.

They are barred from public sector jobs and must navigate complex legal requirements to work in the private sector.

Director of the Refugee Department, Mr Sudi Mwakibasi, said refugees can apply for jobs but are often confined to camps unless granted special permits.

“The government has revised laws to eliminate work permit fees for refugees,” Mwakibasi said. “But asylum seekers are not permitted to work until their status is determined.”

A humanitarian expert, Mr Mbwana Kosmas, highlighted the economic potential of refugees, noting that their skills and talents remain underutilised.

“Refugees are also human beings with rights and talents,” he said. “The government should consider integrating them into the workforce to benefit both sides.”

The proximity of border communities to migration routes has blurred the lines between citizens and non-citizens.

Social ties with neighbouring countries have led to heightened scrutiny, but the lack of proper civil documentation has fueled the challenge.

For individuals like Saidi and Jean Claude, their struggles underscore a broader issue: the need for inclusive policies that recognise the humanity of both citizens and migrants.

“We need solutions that protect the rights of border residents and migrants while ensuring security,” said Mr Kosmas.

The government insists it is taking steps to address these challenges.

NIDA has introduced community-based identification processes where applicants’ details are publicly displayed for scrutiny.

Additionally, the immigration department has amended visa regulations to simplify entry and exit for migrants.

“We have made significant reforms, such as allowing certain nationals to pay for visas upon arrival,” said Tanzania immigration department spokesperson Mr Paul Msele.

Despite these measures, much remains to be done. Advocacy groups are calling for faster ID issuance for border residents.

As the world celebrated migrants’ contributions under this year’s theme, “Recognising contributions and respecting rights,” voices from Kibondo and Kasulu remind us of the gaps that still exist.