DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzanian government has reiterated its commitment to creating more employment opportunities abroad and building the capacities of the country’s youth to effectively compete in the international job market.
Recently, 100 nurses secured job placements with the Saudi Arabian government, part of a total of 500 available positions. These nurses have completed all the necessary requirements and are set to travel to Riyadh to begin their new roles.
Minister for State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Youth, Labour and People with Disabilities) Ridhiwani Kikwete made these remarks during a send-off event for Tanzanian nurses heading to Saudi Arabia, held recently in Dar es Salaam.
“The government has set ambitious targets to increase employment opportunities for Tanzanians, aiming to raise the number from 556,065 in 2022 to 1,000,000 by 2028,” Minister Ridhiwani said.
He said that achieving this goal will require various initiatives, including cooperation agreements with countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Iran and Qatar, all designed to improve job prospects for Tanzanians in these nations.
The minister further reassured that the government is committed to safeguarding the rights and responsibilities of Tanzanian workers abroad, ensuring they engage in dignified employment, and helping to increase the number of Tanzanians in professional jobs globally.
He urged the nurses travelling to Saudi Arabia to uphold integrity and trustworthiness, representing their country with pride and continuing to earn international respect.
Mr Ridhiwani also encouraged the nurses to act as ambassadors, linking fellow Tanzanians with job opportunities abroad and playing a role in alleviating unemployment back home.
One of the nurses, Juliana Kendo, expressed her excitement about securing a job overseas. She thanked the government for facilitating these employment opportunities and pledged to represent Tanzania well while abroad.
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Ms Kendo also encouraged other youth to disregard negative perceptions about overseas employment and to seize such opportunities when they arise.
In March 2024, the recruitment process for 500 nurses for roles in Saudi Arabia began. Currently, 101 out of 240 recruited nurses have completed all necessary procedures and are expected to depart for work starting in December.
Among those selected, 54 passed professional exams conducted in Nairobi, Kenya, while the remaining candidates will take their exams upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
It’s worth noting that the successful placement of these nurses is a direct result of the labour and employment cooperation agreement between Tanzania and Saudi Arabia, established under the leadership of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan. This agreement is now yielding positive outcomes.
