Immigration deepens stakeholder cooperation

KILIMANJARO: THE Immigration Department has deployed a new public-awareness campaign—‘Know Your Neighbour’—targeting tour operators, border agencies, and corporate consultants to curb illegal entry and safeguard national security through key transit hubs like Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA).

The initiative was highlighted on Monday by the Immigration Commissioner at KIA, Mr Adam Mkuyu, during the opening of the ‘Essentials of Immigration Management in Tanzania’ training workshop at the Tanzania Regional Immigration Training Academy (TRITA) in Moshi.

Mr Mkuyu told participants that private and public entities handling foreign nationals—from tourists to workers—are now central to national border monitoring.

“Immigration management is a shared security responsibility involving every citizen, government institution, and non-state actor,” Mr Mkuyu said, noting that the ‘Know Your Neighbour’ campaign aims to build a proactive network to promote safe migration while shutting down illegal channels.

He emphasised that host institutions must ensure foreign workers, students, visitors and permanent residents strictly comply with entry, stay and departure laws.

“Stakeholders dealing directly with foreigners are essential in shaping, implementing and enforcing our immigration and asylum framework,” he added.

ALSO READ: Immigration Department details its modus operandi at the Public Service Week exhibitions

Speaking at the seminar, TRITA Commandant Ms Hoja Mahiba revealed that more than 700 key stakeholders have undergone the specialised training since its inception in 2019.

She noted that the curriculum—built around immigration, security and socio-economic development—provides the department with crucial frontline feedback to refine its border operations.

Participants welcomed the practical push. Mussa Mahundi, a consultant with Dar es Salaam-based MHM Experts Consultants, noted that training private actors directly improves legal compliance across the board.

“This knowledge enables institutions dealing with foreign clients to uphold immigration laws, protect human rights and streamline social integration effectively,” Mr Mahundi said.