Tanzania cracks down on illegal foreign workers after trade ban
In late July, President Samia Suluhu Hassan's government barred non-citizens from engaging in several business sectors to protect opportunities for Tanzanians.
Just weeks after banning foreigners from 15 small-scale businesses, Tanzania has launched a nationwide operation targeting immigrants living and working in the country illegally.
In late July, President Samia Suluhu Hassan's government barred non-citizens from engaging in several business sectors to protect opportunities for Tanzanians.
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The restrictions cover wholesale and retail trade (except supermarkets), specialised product shops, and wholesale centres for local producers.
Foreigners were also prohibited from running mobile money transfer outlets, phone and electronics repair shops, or salons not linked to hotels or the tourism industry.
Other banned sectors include home and office cleaning, small-scale mining, domestic courier services, tour guiding, and the operation of museums and curio shops.
According to multiple outlets, Tanzania’s Immigration Services Department said the crackdown, which began on September 11 and will continue until October 8, involves inspections of passports, visas, residence, and work permits.
“All foreigners must present themselves to the Kurasini Immigration Office in Dar es Salaam, the Zanzibar Immigration Head Office, and other regional centres for verification,” the department said.
Penalties
Employers, business owners, and the public have been urged to cooperate, with officials warning that resistance could attract penalties.
The move comes ahead of the October 29 general election, where President Samia is seeking a second term in office. Tanzania often intensifies immigration crackdowns in election years, citing concerns over security and foreign interference.
While officials maintain that the crackdown is meant to protect jobs for Tanzanians, July’s ban on foreigners in small-scale businesses has drawn criticism from neighbouring countries, some of which have warned of potential retaliatory measures.
So far this year, Tanzania has arrested more than 7,000 foreigners for breaching immigration laws, deported nearly 5,000, and taken over 1,000 to court.
Much of the focus has been on Dar es Salaam’s Kariakoo market, where Chinese traders have been accused of pushing locals out of small businesses.
According to the Immigration Department, by September, 305 foreigners were still under investigation, while 257 others had regularised their papers.
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