‘Overseas jobs rest on discipline’

DOHA: PRIME Minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, has said that nation’s efforts to secure more employment opportunities abroad will largely depend on the discipline, integrity and professionalism demonstrated by Tanzanians working in foreign countries.

He said the conduct of citizens employed overseas shapes employers’ confidence in recruiting more Tanzanians, making every worker an important ambassador for the country’s reputation in the international labour market.

Dr Nchemba said this yesterday during a meeting with more than 500 Tanzanian drivers employed by Qatar-based transport company MOWASALAT at its Lusail Depot on the outskirts of Doha, where he is on a three-day official visit at the invitation of Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

The Premier acknowledged that adapting to life and work in a foreign country is not easy, particularly during the first months of employment, but encouraged the workers to remain committed to their responsibilities.

“We know that being in a foreign country comes with its own challenges. My advice to you is that we should work hard and be a good letter that can be read well, especially for others whom we expect to continue connecting with various opportunities in different places,” Dr Nchemba said.

He described the workers as representatives of Tanzania whose commitment and professionalism could help create more opportunities for fellow citizens seeking employment abroad.

During the meeting, the drivers raised concerns over the recognition of certificates they obtain after completing training programmes in Qatar, arguing that the qualifications should be recognised once they return home.

Dr Nchemba directed the Minister for Home Affairs to follow up on the matter and work with relevant authorities to ensure qualifications obtained abroad are properly recognised.

He said Tanzanians who acquire skills and professional training overseas should not face unnecessary barriers when seeking opportunities after returning home.

“Even in other sectors, if you study secondary school in Uganda and return to Tanzania, you do not have to start secondary school again. If you study at university and obtain a degree, when you return to Tanzania, you do not start studying for the same degree again,” he said.

“Therefore, this is about recognition of the education and qualifications obtained. I believe, Minister, you are able to address this matter. You should take it up.”

Dr Nchemba further said that any legal obstacles preventing recognition of qualifications obtained abroad should be reviewed so that laws support, rather than hinder, Tanzanians seeking to improve their livelihoods.

The workers also highlighted challenges involving work permits and charges imposed on food items they carry when returning to Tanzania after annual leave, particularly at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Dar es Salaam.

Dr Nchemba assured them that the government would engage the relevant authorities to resolve the issues.

“Once I leave here, I will write to the two groups you have mentioned, concerning work permits and the charges. Resolving people’s concerns is my responsibility,” he said.

Minister for Industry and Trade, Ms Judith Kapinga, said the government would continue investing in young people through skills development initiatives aimed at expanding employment opportunities and increasing national revenue.

She commended MOWASALAT for employing 722 Tanzanian youths in various positions, describing the jobs as an opportunity for them to gain valuable international work experience and strengthen their professional skills.

Dr Nchemba also commended Qatar’s public transport system after receiving a briefing on MOWASALAT operations from Qatar’s Minister for Transport, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani.

He said Tanzania could learn from Qatar’s extensive use of technology and clean energy in public transport to help address traffic congestion in its growing cities.

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Earlier, Sheikh Mohammed said MOWASALAT served 42 million passengers in 2025, operating 1,200 vehicles across 128 routes, with 70 per cent of its fleet powered by electricity.

The Prime Minister’s visit forms part of broader efforts to strengthen cooperation between Tanzania and Qatar in areas including investment, transport, skills development and overseas employment opportunities for Tanzanians.