Tanzania orders private agents to respect laws governing overseas jobs

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Deus Sangu, has urged private employment agents to strictly adhere to the guidelines governing overseas recruitment so that more Tanzanians can benefit from job opportunities created abroad.

He made the statement in Dar es Salaam during a meeting with 148 private employment agents dealing in both local and international placements, which aimed to provide government direction on compliance with legal and institutional coordination frameworks.

Elaborating, the minister said that in the past, there was disorder which led to the presence of illegal brokers (vishoka) which prompted the government to establish legal and institutional systems to regulate both local and overseas employment.

“The government does not recognize the existence of such brokers,” he said.

Additionally, he said that the government recognizes private agents as a crucial pillar in linking job seekers with employers both locally and internationally, helping to reduce unemployment and supporting the country in building a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable economy.

Speaking on behalf of the private agents, Chairperson of the Tanzania Recruitment Agencies Association (TRAA), Abdallah Mohammed, noted that the association is a partner of the government in reducing unemployment, increasing national revenue, and enhancing the status of Tanzanians working abroad.

The Chairperson stressed that TRAA’s role is to ensure close cooperation between the government and stakeholders in the international employment sector so it can continue to serve as an important pillar of the national economy.

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For her part, Labour Commissioner Suzan Mkangwa said the introduction of the guidelines is one of the government’s steps to strengthen employment services in the country.

She said that the participation of the 148 agents in the minister’s meeting reflects the government’s goal of strengthening relationships and enhancing understanding of their legal responsibilities, while safeguarding the interests of job seekers and the nation at large.

Acting Director of Employment Services in the Prime Minister’s Office, Jane Sorogo, said the meeting is part of the department’s continued efforts to implement the shared commitment between the government and stakeholders to strengthen safe, lawful, and dignified employment systems that protect the rights and interests of Tanzanians.

Ms Sorongo stated that through the collaboration, the ministry will continue to build an environment of transparency and accountability to improve efficiency and effectiveness in coordinating both local and overseas employment services.

She said that the goal is to implement directives from President Samia Suluhu Hassan to expand overseas employment opportunities for more Tanzanians.

Recently, while addressing leaders of trade unions, employers, and federations in Dodoma, Minister Sangu highlighted the achievements of the government, noting that from January 2026 to date, approximately 2,002 Tanzanians have secured employment opportunities abroad.

In addition, 1,150 drivers have completed interviews for job placements in Qatar. At the same time, 500 motorcycle riders are expected to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under the coordination of private recruitment agents and the government.