DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has uncovered widespread abuse of short-term business visas by some foreign nationals working illegally in Tanzania and will take firm action against offenders, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Employment and Persons with Disabilities), Dr Evaline Munisi, told Parliament yesterday.
She said investigations had revealed several schemes used by foreigners to circumvent labour and immigration laws and remain in the country beyond the period permitted under their visas.
Responding to a supplementary question from John Nchimbi (Nyasa, CCM), who sought clarification on measures being taken to address the misuse of business visas and strengthen awareness of labour regulations.
Dr Munisi said the government had already allocated funds to strengthen public awareness campaigns on labour laws.
She said labour officers across the country had also been directed to intensify inspections and educate employers on compliance with labour and immigration requirements.
“We have identified numerous violations involving foreigners working in the country through various illegal arrangements. Labour officers have already started providing education to employers in institutions, companies and organisations that engage foreign workers to ensure full compliance with the law,” Dr Munisi said.
She said investigations had revealed that some foreigners enter the country using business visas issued for specific shortterm assignments but continue working after the permits expire.
According to the deputy minister, some individuals leave Tanzania briefly after the expiry of their three-month permits and subsequently return on new business visas, enabling them to remain in the country for extended periods contrary to legal requirements.
“In some cases, a foreigner ends up staying and working in Tanzania for more than three years through repeated shortterm permits. These practices are illegal and violate our labour and immigration laws,” she said.
Dr Munisi stressed that the government would not tolerate such conduct and would take firm action against both employers and foreign nationals found breaching the law.
“Every country has laws and procedures that must be respected. Tanzania will continue to enforce its laws without hesitation,” she said.
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The deputy minister said the government had also uncovered networks involved in facilitating the illegal entry and employment of foreign workers and was strengthening monitoring mechanisms to curb the trend.
Responding to a basic question, Dr Munisi said the Employment of Non-Citizens Act empowers the government to issue work permits only to foreigners with formal employment relationships with the institutions or companies applying on their behalf.
She said that the Immigration Department issues Business Visas valid for up to three months to foreigners undertaking specific assignments that do not constitute formal employment. Such assignments include short-term training, installation of machinery and equipment, technical support services and other temporary specialised tasks.
“The government recognises the presence of foreigners undertaking special assignments under business visas and continues to work closely with the Immigration Department to ensure they comply with the conditions attached to those permits,” she said.
Dr Munisi added that enhanced cooperation between labour authorities and immigration officials is aimed at preventing abuse of temporary permits while safeguarding employment opportunities for Tanzanians and ensuring adherence to both labour and immigration laws.