Legal Update – 22 February 2017
Ministry to conduct verification of work permits
- Exercise starts immediately
- All non-citizens to submit work permits for verification
- Deadline 23 March 2017
In a Public Notice issued by the Prime Minister’s office- Labour, Employment, Youth and Persons with Disability dated 22 February 2017, all non-citizens are required to submit their work permits to the nearest labour offices for verification. The Ministry expects voluntary compliance on or before 23 March 2017.
The Public Notice states clearly that “Employers are hereby informed that, there will be a special labour inspection to all undertakings aiming at ensuring that all non-citizens hold valid work permits. We, therefore, call upon all non-citizens to submit their work permits to their nearest area labour offices for verification within 30 days from the date of this public notice.”
According to our reading of the Public Notice, the Ministry wishes to verify that all work permit holders are in possession of genuine and proper documents, and to ensure that all non-citizens, their employers and agents are in compliance with the Non-Citizens (Employment Regulation) Act of 2015 (the Act).
The Notice reminds the public that non-citizens working without a valid work permit issued by the Labour Commissioner are committing an offence. As has been previously communicated by the FB Attorneys Legal Updates team, working and/or employment on a business visa/business pass is contrary to the provisions of the Act.
Employers and non-citizens are reminded that a business visa/business pass can only be used for those who are entering Tanzania for short term business purposes, attending board and other meetings, for short term training purposes, machine installation and maintenance to mention a few. A non-citizen cannot commence employment in Tanzania with a business visa/business pass.
You are requested to comply with this notice accordingly.