Tanzania will fare better with a less rigid work permit policy

Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Kiprono Kittony

Recently, Tanzania President John Pombe-Magufuli ordered foreigners, particularly those without work permits, to surrender their jobs to locals pronto. This hard-hitting edict is a direct consequence of the Non-Citizens (Employment Regulations) Act, passed by Tanzania’s Parliament during its April - June 2015 session. The Act tightened rules for subsidiaries of multinational companies operating in Tanzania intent on recruiting expatriate employees. The hope is that showing foreigners the door would automatically pave the way for employment of Tanzanian youth. While it is the duty of the state to secure and protect the livelihoods of its citizens, the sweeping, if punitive, action heralded by the presidential diktat determined to show foreigners working in Tanzania the door enmass is regrettable. In fact, I highly doubt that such a decision would serve the best interests of any of the East African Community member countries let alone Tanzania’s.

Well, nationalism propped on simplistic populism may register transient dividends for demagogic leaders but not for long-term benefits particularly in a regional bloc that ought to be aiming at closer integration and synergetic existence. Ultimately, it remains Tanzania’s sovereign right to make policies that serve the interests of her citizens best. Whichever way you view it, President Magufuli is well within his powers to make decisions that promote the welfare of his countrymen and women. At the same time, Tanzania’s resources and economy must serve its nationals before they benefit foreigners.