Tanzania’s move to restrict hiring of foreigners in jobs that can be done by the local people has been welcomed by the East African Trade Union Confederation (EATUC). The confederation stated that Tanzania has every right to protect the interests of its people and should be respected for that.
Francis Atwoli, the chairperson of EATUC, said that the Tanzanian government did right to conduct a thorough vetting of foreigners looking to work in the East African country.
According to the Rosemary Ssenabulya, chair of the East African Employers Association (EAEO), Tanzania is ‘locking out’ other East Africans from the job market. Rosemary faulted the move, saying that it was against the East African Community (EAC) regional market protocol which advocates for free movement of labor across the borders of member states.
Tanzanian authorities have recently hiked residential and working permit fees for expatriates and foreigners seeking local employment. The move has been criticized by local employers and the Association of the Tanzania Employers (ATE) saying that it will increase the cost of doing business in the country.
President Magufuli has been requested by the East African Business Council (EABC) to reduce the new work and residential permits fees for EAC citizens in the country, citing it as an important step in ensuring business prosperity across the East African region.
