Tanzania: Information on whether a stateless Palestinian who married a Tanzanian woman can automatically obtain Tanzanian nationality or permanent residence status
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 November 1994 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | TZA19034.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Tanzania: Information on whether a stateless Palestinian who married a Tanzanian woman can automatically obtain Tanzanian nationality or permanent residence status, 1 November 1994, TZA19034.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ab2d20.html [accessed 7 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to an official from the High Commission for the United Republic of Tanzania in Ottawa, only women who marry Tanzanian men are eligible for immediate naturalization (29 Nov. 1994). The official pointed out that Tanzanian authorities will return to his country of origin any foreigner married to a Tanzanian women who attempts to settle with his wife in Tanzania without the permission of Tanzanian authorities. In order to settle in Tanzania with his wife, he must file an application at the nearest Tanzanian consulate or embassy and provide evidence that he can earn a living in Tanzania (ibid.). If admitted to the country, he will only be able to register for Tanzanian citizenship after five years of residence (ibid.). Those criteria would also apply to a stateless Palestinian who marries a Tanzanian woman (ibid.). However, if the stateless Palestinian originates from a war torn area such as the occupied territories, he may be granted access to Tanzania as a refugee, not as the husband of a Tanzanian woman (ibid.). Tanzania is signatory to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees (United Nations 1994, 11). The official stated that the most recent amendments to the Tanzanian citizenship law were made in 1985, but that the Tanzanian government is currently considering further amendments. The official stated that a copy of the current law is not available at the High Commission in Ottawa.
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum (ibid.).
References
High Commission for the United Republic of Tanzania, Ottawa. 29 November 1994. Telephone interview with official.
United Nations. 1994. Human Rights. International Instruments. Chart of Ratifications as at 30 June 1994. New York: United Nations.
