Challenges Faced by Migrants and Citizens in Tanzania
Dar es Salaam. On December 18, 2024, world attention turned to the challenges faced by migrants on International Migrants Day. In Tanzania’s Kigoma Region, particularly within its border communities, stories emerged that reveal a striking intersection of struggles faced by both migrants and citizens.
The narratives uncovered a shared fight for identity, livelihood, and acknowledgment in a landscape where these basic rights are increasingly elusive.
Identity Crisis in Border Communities
Residents like Saidi Musa, a 29-year-old from Kibondo district, find themselves ensnared by the bureaucracy surrounding national identification. Despite being born and raised in the region, Saidi has faced years of frustrations in his quest to obtain this essential document.
“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 challenge is emblematic of a wider issue in youthful communities—many residents confront systemic hurdles that force them into a state of statelessness.
Bureaucratic Red Tape
In areas like Kasulu and Kibondo, rigorous immigration checks coupled with substantial delays in the issuance of identification documents have created a population caught in a cycle of uncertainty. The border communities, often intermingled with cultures and relationships from neighboring countries, grapple with bureaucratic limitations that exacerbate their plight.
According to a policy brief from local organization Dignity Kwanza, such obstacles deter many from pursuing identification altogether, thereby stripping them of fundamental rights and access to essential services.
“The high level of migration in these areas has resulted in stricter scrutiny for applicants of National Identification Cards,” the report states. “This has left many people at risk of statelessness.”
Acknowledging the Issue
The National Identification Authority (NIDA) is aware of these complications. Mr. Geoffrey Tengeneza, head of communications at NIDA, admits that verifying identities in these regions is a complex process.
“When issuing IDs, we must ensure thorough checks to avoid granting them to non-eligible individuals,” he explained, highlighting the careful consideration taken to collaborate with local security committees during the application scrutiny.
Refugees in Limbo
The struggle for identity extends beyond Tanzanian citizens to include migrants like Jean Claude, a Burundian refugee living in Nyarugusu Camp. Having fled Burundi eight years ago for safety, Jean Claude has managed to pursue education but finds his employment prospects dismal.
“I graduated from college last year, but I cannot find work outside the camp,” he lamented. “I feel like my future is stuck.”
While refugees in Tanzania are legally permitted to work, they face significant restrictions that complicate their plans for economic independence. Public sector jobs are off-limits, and the private sector presents its own sets of challenges that require navigating complex legal frameworks.
Director of the Refugee Department, Mr. Sudi Mwakibasi, noted that while refugees can apply for jobs, their confinement to camps often limits their employment opportunities unless granted special permits.
Economic Potential of Refugees
Humanitarian expert Mr. Mbwana Kosmas suggests that the underutilization of refugees is a significant loss for Tanzania. “Refugees are also human beings with rights and talents,” he said, advocating for policy changes that could allow their integration into the local workforce to benefit both migrants and the broader economy.
The proximity of these border communities to migration routes has blurred the lines between nationals and non-nationals, leading to heightened scrutiny but also revealing the vital social ties that exist across borders.
Notable Initiatives
Despite these issues, the Tanzanian government claims it is implementing measures to alleviate the situation. NIDA has explored community-based identification processes where applicants’ information is publicized for communal verification. Furthermore, the immigration department has made strides in adapting visa regulations to simplify entry for migrants.
Mr. Paul Msele, spokesperson for the immigration department, asserted, “We have made significant reforms, such as allowing certain nationals to pay for visas upon arrival.”
However, challenges remain, particularly for border residents who still experience delayed ID processing. Advocacy groups continue to call for expedited issuance of identification documents and transparent pathways to citizenship.
A Broader Narrative
As the world marked International Migrants Day under the theme “Recognising contributions and respecting rights,” the voices from Kibondo and Kasulu serve as a poignant reminder of the gaps still prevalent in our systems.
The stories of individuals like Saidi and Jean Claude echo the urgent need for inclusive policies that honor the humanity of everyone—migrants and citizens alike—bringing to light a continuous struggle that transcends individual experiences and touches on fundamental human rights.
