Heighten vigilance ahead of polls, immigration department told

KILIMANJARO: THE Immigration Department has been urged to heighten its vigilance to ensure that no foreigners participate in the upcoming General Election scheduled for October 29, 2025.

The call was made on Monday by the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr Maduhu Kazi, while officiating a working session between the Commissioner General of Immigration and Regional Immigration Officers, along with other senior executives from across the country.

The session is being held in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region.

“The right to vote or be elected is a fundamental right in our country, but it is strictly reserved for Tanzanian citizens, who meet the legal requirements under the General Election laws,” Dr Kazi said.

He stressed that the Immigration Department must work closely with other national security agencies to ensure that the electoral process is safeguarded and that only eligible Tanzanians are included in the voter registry.

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“The department should deploy all necessary measures, including special operations, to guarantee that eligible citizens are not excluded from the electoral roll and, equally, that no ineligible individuals, particularly non-citizens, are allowed to participate,” he added.

Dr Kazi also urged the department to strengthen its efforts in collecting government revenue generated from its various services, noting that adequate funding is essential for the department to operate effectively and maintain high service standards.

He encouraged participants to ensure that the resolutions reached during the meeting are translated into action to improve the department’s performance and service delivery.

On her part, Commissioner General of Immigration, Dr Anna Makakala, said the session is part of the department’s annual program and is designed to review operational performance, set goals, and discuss the department’s budget for the current financial year.

“This year’s session is especially important given the upcoming General Election in October,” she noted.

Dr Makakala added that a key agenda item during the session would be to define and reinforce the role of the Immigration Department in ensuring the elections are conducted peacefully and securely, from the campaign period through to election day and after the announcement of results.