Hassan Magulumali
Immigration authorities in Tanzania’s coastal Pwani Region have arrested 13 Burundian nationals in Mkuranga District for allegedly entering and residing in the country illegally, following ongoing patrols and enforcement operations targeting immigration violations.
The arrests were made on November 12 during an operation conducted by the Mkuranga District Immigration Office in various areas of the district.
According to the Immigration Department, the individuals were found engaging in different economic activities without passports or valid permits authorising their entry, residence and participation in such activities in Tanzania.
The operation was led by Mkuranga District Immigration Officer, Senior Superintendent of Immigration Abtwalib Yusuf, working alongside immigration officers and personnel stationed in the district.
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The arrests form part of continued immigration enforcement efforts aimed at identifying foreign nationals who may be residing or conducting activities in Tanzania without complying with the country’s immigration laws.
Following the operation, Yusuf urged residents to actively participate in the government’s Mjue Jirani Yako (Know Your Neighbour) campaign, encouraging communities to know the people living around them and report suspected immigration violations to the relevant authorities.
He emphasised the importance of timely information from members of the public in supporting immigration officers’ efforts to identify and address cases involving foreign nationals who do not comply with established immigration requirements.
The district immigration office said it was continuing administrative and legal procedures following the arrests, in coordination with the Pwani Regional Immigration Officer, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Immigration Peter Mbaku, to ensure that all necessary legal steps are completed.
