Hassan Magulumali
The Dar es Salaam Regional Immigration Office has arrested 197 foreign nationals from Malawi and Burundi during a series of operations and patrols aimed at addressing irregular immigration in the city.
According to the Immigration Office, the arrests were made between September 4 and 14, 2026, with the group comprising 102 Malawian nationals and 95 Burundian nationals.
The operations were conducted in several parts of Dar es Salaam, targeting areas including Mwananyamala, Mbezi kwa Kakobe and Tandale in Kinondoni District; Keko, Mbagala and Tandika in Temeke District; as well as Ubungo and Kigamboni.
The arrests form part of continued efforts by immigration authorities to monitor the entry, residence and activities of foreign nationals and to ensure compliance with Tanzania’s immigration laws.
Addressing immigration officers, inspectors and other personnel involved in the operations and investigation of cases, Dar es Salaam Regional Immigration Officer (SACI) Vincent Haule urged officers to perform their duties professionally, patriotically and in accordance with the law.
SACI Haule also commended Immigration Offices in Kinondoni, Temeke, Ilala, Kigamboni and Ubungo for their contribution towards addressing irregular immigration within the region.
Also Read: Kinyerezi Ward Councillor Supports Ari Secondary School Students
The latest operation comes amid increased immigration enforcement in different parts of Tanzania. Earlier in September, the Geita Regional Immigration Office announced the arrest of 41 foreign nationals, including 40 Burundian nationals and one citizen of the Democratic Republic of Congo, during operations in various parts of the region. Authorities said the exercise was aimed at identifying people who had entered or were staying in the country without valid immigration documents or permits.
The developments highlight the continued focus by Tanzanian authorities on immigration control, particularly the verification of foreign nationals’ legal status and compliance with residence and work requirements.
Tanzania’s Immigration Department provides different categories of residence permits for foreigners intending to live in the country for purposes such as employment, investment, business, studies, research and other legally recognised activities. Foreigners intending to reside in Tanzania for more than 90 days are generally required to hold an appropriate residence permit.
The department has also continued to emphasise lawful migration as part of efforts to strengthen border security and immigration management. In August, the Ministry of Home Affairs said Tanzania would continue promoting safe migration to protect national security, citizens and property while contributing to regional and international security.
The recent operations in Dar es Salaam and Geita therefore reflect a wider enforcement effort rather than an isolated exercise, as immigration authorities continue to verify the status of foreign nationals and take action where immigration requirements are found to have been violated.
Authorities have urged foreign nationals living and working in Tanzania to ensure that their immigration documents are valid and that they comply with the conditions attached to their permits and passes.
