Tanzania engages US on potential travel curbs
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA has officially begun diplomatic consultations with the United States, following a recent announcement indicating potential entry restrictions for citizens of several countries including Tanzania, over immigration concerns.
According to a statement released yesterday by the Chief Government Spokesperson, Mr Gerson Msigwa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation has initiated discussions with US officials to address and rectify issues related to consular and immigration matters.
“The government is aware of the US announcement regarding immigration concerns that could lead to entry restrictions for Tanzanian citizens. We have already begun consultations with our American counterparts to identify areas for improvement, particularly in consular processes,” said Mr Msigwa via his official social media platforms.
He said that the Tanzanian government is taking the matter seriously, with the goal of ensuring the country is not placed on the list of nations facing travel restrictions “These discussions are aimed at safeguarding the interests of Tanzanian citizens who wish to travel to the United States for work, education, business, or tourism,” he added.
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Mr Msigwa assured the public that the government will continue to provide timely updates as talks progress, stressing that matters involving international relations, human rights and cooperation are being handled with the highest level of attention and responsibility.
The US government’s recent notice, reportedly originating under an executive immigration policy first introduced during President Donald Trump’s administration, cited concerns over fraudulent documentation and immigration irregularities among citizens from the listed countries.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions among Tanzanians, particularly those seeking US visas, raising questions about future access to opportunities in the US.
In response, Tanzanian authorities are prioritising diplomatic and migration dialogue with the US to address the concerns raised and prevent any adverse measures against its citizens.
