Immigration changes in Tanzania and Tunisia
TANZANIA | November 4 Audit Deadline to Verify Residence Status Approaching
Foreign nationals and their employers in Tanzania are reminded that they have until November 4 to verify the foreign national’s residence status. The requirement applies to all foreign nationals in the country – including foreign workers, business owners, students, and family members. Ongoing since October 5, the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Immigration Service Department (ISD) is conducting an audit of the residence status of all foreign nationals in the country.
Foreign employees and their employers have a joint responsibility to ensure that the employee completes this process. Failure to do so before the deadline may result in fines and imprisonment.
Both foreign nationals and Tanzanian sponsoring companies should note the following:
- The employer must provide the foreign employee with a letter confirming their employment;
- The employer or employee must download the confirmation page of the employee’s work permit from the online Permit Information Verification System (PIVS);
- On or before November 4, the employee must appear in person at the nearest Immigration Service Department office with the confirmation letter from the employer, the confirmation page from the PIVS, and their original work and residence permits; and
- The employee or employer should pick-up the ISD confirmation documents one-day after submission and retain them for their records.
The current residence audit is part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Home Affairs to prevent employers from employing foreign nationals without proper documentation. A similar audit was conducted in March of this year as well. In addition, all companies employing foreign nationals should be aware that this emphasis on immigration enforcement will be ongoing. Companies should be prepared for increased workplace inspections and ensure that all documents are in order for their foreign employees.
TUNISIA | Expats in GCC Countries Now Eligible for Visa-on-Arrival
Effective immediately, foreign nationals holding residence visas from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries no longer require consular visas to enter Tunisia and are now eligible for visas-on-arrival valid for stays of up to 15 days. Visas-on-arrival are reportedly now available to GCC expats at all Tunisian airports and border crossings.
To qualify, foreign nationals must present the following documents to border authorities upon arrival:
- Valid passport;
- Residence visa/permit issued by one of the GCC member nations valid for six months from the date of entry into Tunisia; and
- Hotel reservations or other proof of accommodation in Tunisia.
The measure now allows an estimated 25 million foreign residents of GCC countries to enter Tunisia without first obtaining a consular visa prior to travel. GCC nations include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Tunisia has thus far maintained its neutrality in the recent boycott of Qatar. Thus, the present measure includes foreign nationals residing in Qatar. However, given the ongoing boycott, expats in Qatar are encouraged to reach out to their Immigration Specialists prior to any travel to other Middle Eastern and North African nations to confirm that entry requirements have not changed.
