Dual citizenship process on progress
From ALVAR MWAKYUSA in Dodoma, 13th April 2011
DAILY NEWS
THE process to allow Tanzanians hold dual citizenship has reached an advanced stage, the National Assembly was told here on Wednesday.
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Mr Mahadhi Juma Maalim, said the government has reached Tanzanians in the Diaspora through various forums to get their views on the proposed arrangement.
He was responding to a basic question by Leticia Nyerere (Special Seats - CHADEMA) who wanted to know the progress reached so far on the arrangement.
According to the deputy minister, the government has already established a Diaspora department at the ministry to co-ordinate the arrangement while for Zanzibar, the Revolutionary Government has established the same department under the Deputy Chief Secretary.
He explained further that the government in partnership with private institutions were finalising legal and policy framework to enable Tanzanians in the Diaspora to participate in the building of the national economy.
He mentioned the public institutions as the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC), Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) in addition to National Housing Corporation (NHC), Unit Trust of Tanzania and National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
He named some of private sector players or institutions involved in the process as CRDB Bank, Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA) and other recruitment agencies.
He said his ministry and that of home affairs are currently working with the office of the Attorney General to prepare a circular to be presented to the cabinet for approval before being sent to the parliament to amend the current Citizenship Act.
Mr Mahadhi added that since the process to review the Constitution has started, the issue of dual citizenship will also be included in the constitution.
In her supplementary question, Ms Nyerere also wanted the minister to explain the benefits of dual citizenship for Tanzanians.
In response, the deputy minister said dual citizenship will enable Tanzanians in the diaspora to contribute significantly to their country even if they have acquired citizenship of other countries, the country will benefit from remittances and technological transfers.