Tanzanian MP Calls for Passport Requirement to Enter Zanzibar

Tanzanian MP Mohammed Said Issa has called for the reinstatement of the passport requirement for mainland Tanzanians entering Zanzibar. Issa argued that this measure is necessary to manage the influx of people and protect the islands of Zanzibar, which have become overcrowded.

The Immigration Act of 1972, which required passports for travel between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, was repealed in July 1995. Currently, only foreign nationals are required to present their passports at entry points into Zanzibar.

However, Issa's proposal has faced criticism from some citizens and government officials. The Minister responsible for Union Affairs, Dr. Selemani Jafo, stated that the proposal is a backward move that goes against the original intentions of the Tanganyika-Zanzibar Union established 60 years ago.

Why this matters: The debate over reinstating passport requirements for travel between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar touches on issues of national unity, freedom of movement, and the management of population flows within the country. The outcome could have implications for the relationship between the two regions under the long-standing union.

The MP's statement has sparked a debate on social media, with some users criticizing it as reckless and shortsighted, while others argue that it would further complicate relations between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. As the discussion continues, the future of Issa's proposal remains uncertain, given the opposition from the government and citizens who are against changing the current travel arrangements between the two parts of the union.

Key Takeaways

• Tanzanian MP calls for reinstating passport requirement for mainland Tanzanians to enter Zanzibar
• The passport requirement was repealed in 1995, currently, only foreign nationals need passports to enter Zanzibar
• The proposal faces criticism from citizens and government officials as a "backward move" against union intentions
• Debate touches on national unity, freedom of movement, and population management within Tanzania
• Outcome of the proposal remains uncertain due to opposition from the government and citizens