Tanzanian nationality law is the law which deals with citizenship and other forms of nationality. A Tanzanian Citizen is anyone who is in possession of citizenship to the United Republic of Tanzania. Nationality law is mentioned in the Constitution of Tanzania.
The citizenship law was first implemented after independence in 1961, and amended in 1964 whenTanganyika and Zanzibar united to form Tanzania.
Types of citizenship
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- 1.Citizen by birth
- 2.Citizen by descent
- 3.Citizen by Naturalization
[edit]Citizenship by birth
Any child born within the borders of the United Republic of Tanzania, on or after union day, 26th April 1964, is granted citizenship to Tanzania, considering that the child's parents are Tanzanian Citizens, as stated in the Tanzanian Citizenship act of 1995.[1]
[edit]Citizenship by Descent
A foreign citizen of Tanzanian Ancestry, may seek citizenship of Tanzania, considering they meet the following requirements :
- They are at the age of twenty one and above when making the application
- They can prove that they are of Tanzanian Ancestry
- They are willing to renounce their foreign citizenship, as Dual Citizenship in Tanzania is not permitted. There is a bill currently being processed to change this situation, however the law may not be enacted for at least a year or so.[2]
[edit]Citizenship by Naturalization
Any foreign National with no ancestry or birth ties with Tanzania may apply for citizenship throughNaturalization. In order for a foreign National to become a Tanzanian citizen through Naturalization, the following conditions must be met.
- (a). That he has resided in the United Republic throughout the period of twelve months
immediately preceding the date of the applications.
- (b). That during the ten years immediately preceding the said period of twelve months
he resided in the United Republic for periods amounting in the aggregate to not less than seven years; and
- (c). That he has an adequate knowledge of Kiswahili or the English language; and
- (d). That he is of good character; and
- (c). That, in terms of his past and potential contribution to the national economy,
scientific add technological advancement and to the national social and cultural welfare, he would be a suitable citizen of the United Republic;
- (f). That he intends, if naturalized, to continue to reside permanently in the United
Republic.[3]
The Application for citizenship is lodged through the Tanzanian Ministry for home affairs, and in special situations, whereas the minister sees fit, some of the requirements may be waived.
The case for Minors
In the case of minors, according to the citizenship act of 1995, once the parents are granted citizenship to the united republic of Tanzania, the child is also by right entitled to receive citizenship, considered they are under legal age and still living under the care of their parents.
[edit]Commonwealth citizenship
Tanzania has been a member of the commonwealth of Nations since 26th April 1964, following the merger of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. Being that it is a member of the commonwealth on Nations, Tanzanian citizens are also commonwealth citizens, a status which entitles them to certain rights and benefits in the United Kingdom. Amongst some of the benefits, in some countries without Tanzanian consular representation, citizens of the United Republic may enquire or seek assistance with the United Kingdom's High commission.
[edit]E.A.C Citizenship
Following its collapse in 1977, the East African community was again revived in 2001, containing the original three founding states; namely,Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. In 2007 the organization expanded to include The Republic of Rwanda and The Republic of Burundi as part of the East African Community.
Owing to the customs union, relaxed immigration regulations and free movement of labour set to be implemented within the community,Tanzanian citizens stand to benefit free movement within the East African Community zone, likewise citizens of other East African Community member states, may also enjoy free movement to Tanzania and other member territories and unlimited duration of stay while still maintaining their original nationality.
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