TANZANIA – November 4 Audit Deadline to Verify Residence Status Approaching
Foreign nationals and their employers in Tanzania are reminded that they have until November 4 to verify the foreign national’s residence status. The requirement applies to all foreign nationals in the country – including foreign workers, business owners, students, and family members. Ongoing since October 5, the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Immigration Service Department (ISD) is conducting an audit of the residence status of all foreign nationals in the country.
Foreign employees and their employers have a joint responsibility to ensure that the employee completes this process. Failure to do so before the deadline may result in fines and imprisonment.
Action Items
- The employer must provide the foreign employee with a letter confirming their employment;
- The employer or employee must download the confirmation page of the employee’s work permit from the online Permit Information Verification System (PIVS);
- On or before November 4, the employee must appear in person at the nearest Immigration Service Department office with the confirmation letter from the employer, the confirmation page from the PIVS, and their original work and residence permits; and
- The employee or employer should pick-up the ISD confirmation documents one-day after submission and retain them for their records.
The current residence audit is part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Home Affairs to prevent employers from employing foreign nationals without proper documentation. A similar audit was conducted in March of this year as well.
In addition, all companies employing foreign nationals should be aware that this emphasis on immigration enforcement will be ongoing. Companies should be prepared for increased workplace inspections and ensure that all documents are in order for their foreign employees.
