BEIJING (China), Sept 8 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that the rights and entitlements of Tanzanian citizens living abroad are continuously improved for the benefit of all.
Addressing the Tanzanian Diaspora in China during her recent working visit, the President underscored the vital role played by Tanzanians living outside the country in supporting both their families and the nation.
Samia, who met with Tanzanians including workers, students and businesspeople in China, emphasised the importance of their contributions, which have steadily grown over the years.
She reassured them of the government’s commitment to addressing their concerns and strengthening their connection with their home country.
“The Tanzanian Diaspora continues to make a significant impact and it is our duty as a government to ensure that your rights and entitlements are protected and enhanced,” she wrote on her X official handle and WhatsApp channel.
The value of diaspora remittances rose by 60.52 per cent, with the volume of inflows increasing by 20.41 per cent, to reach 500,849 transactions worth 1.3tril/-, a 2022 Bank of Tanzania (BOT) report shows.
The increase is from 415,960 transactions and 837.33bn/- recorded in 2021, respectively.
The BoT’s latest report revealed that the volume of outflows recorded a slight growth rate of 2.28 per cent to 132,740 transactions in 2022, rising from 129,651 transactions. The corresponding value grew by 33.12 per cent to 640.14bn/-.
President Samia’s visit to China was part of her participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which took place on Sept 4 – 6.
During the forum, she engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening partnerships between African nations and China.
On June this year, the government tabled the Written Laws (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, 2024 which among other things seeks to grant special status to diaspora.
The Bill tabled aims at introducing the long-awaited Diaspora Tanzanite card that gives special status to diaspora.
According to the tabled document, the government aims at widening the scope of identification of the prohibited immigrants and foster regional or multilateral integration, diplomatic ties.
The government also proposed amendments with a view to adding new entry authorisations, namely a Diaspora Tanzanite Card and enrolment notifications.
The section is further amended with a view to separating the words ‘passport’ and ‘visa’ since they can be applicable distinctively.
The purpose of the amendment is to enable a holder of a Diaspora Tanzanite Card or a holder of an enrolment notification to enter the United Republic using the Card or enrolment notification without prejudice to the requirement of having a valid passport.
During her working visit, President Samia also witnessed signing of the initial agreement to revitalise Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA).
The signing that was witnessed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Samia and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, took place on the sidelines of the FOCAC Summit. The MoU aims to rehabilitate TAZARA and enhance rail-sea transportation in East Africa.
President Samia highlighted the historical significance of TAZARA, built nearly 50 years ago with Chinese support to provide Zambia access to the Port of Dar es Salaam during a period when its neighbouring countries were still under colonial rule.
She also met two major Chinese companies that have expressed interest in investing in Tanzania, focusing on satellite technology and the manufacturing of ICT equipment.
This significant move is part of Tanzania’s broader strategy to boost its digital infrastructure. — NNN-DAILYNEWS
