0 0
Read Time:7 Minute, 9 Second


Tanzania Daily News (Dar es Salaam)
By Staff Writer
ZANZIBAR’S House of Representatives has passed a Diaspora Law to enable Tanzanians who reside abroad to contribute in efforts to foster growth and socio-economic development in the Isles.
Before the lawmakers overwhelmingly passed the law entitled ‘The Diaspora Affairs Act of 2020,’ they discussed the benefits of Diaspora and urged the government to seriously strengthen the relationship with the Diaspora as one of the drivers of the economy and social development.
The government has been moving fast in building stronger relations with Diaspora. It had conducted series of international Diaspora conferences, established the Diaspora department in the President’s office, and came up with a policy last year.
According to the new law members of Diaspora shall not participate in political issues including the right to join political parties, vote, or be voted. They would miss those rights reserved exclusively to residents (Tanzanian -Zanzibari) as Minister may publish from time to time.
A Diaspora forum is now backed by the law which states there shall be a Diaspora forum whose members shall be appointed by the minister who will be the chairperson of the forum. The functions of the forum provide advise on policy matters, ensure success preparation of Diaspora conference.’
Other functions of the forum include organize and motivate economic, cultural, educational, scientific, and sports cooperation with the Diaspora; and advice conditions favorable for investment programs and projects organized by Diaspora.
Also, there shall be a Diaspora conference to be conducted as seems to be necessary, and that Diaspora shall consist of registered and nonregistered Diaspora and other stakeholders to discuss Diaspora matters.
As regards offenses, the law says ‘It shall be an offense for any person to misuse and contravene the privilege provided under the act, for example, a person who solicits, incites, abet or induce a Diaspora to commit an offense, commit an offense and upon conviction shall be liable to a fine of not less than one million (1m/-) or imprisonment for a term not less than one year or both.
Prior to legislature approval of the law, Mr. Issa Haji Ussi- Minister of State, President’s Office, and chairman of the Revolutionary council Zanzibar said the Diaspora Affairs Act provides for matters relating to Diaspora including the recognition of their status and privileges.
The law also explains the functions of the Office of the Diaspora Affairs as to establish, register and maintain the records of Diaspora; facilitate in financial, social security, land and investment matters and trade and tourism; and facilitate receiving of Diaspora philanthropic resources and services.
To collaborate with Diaspora associations and other international organizations; Ensure that Diaspora issues are incorporated in the sectoral policies and programs; Promote conditions that will enable Diaspora to learn and preserve Kiswahili language and culture are other functions of the ‘Diaspora affairs office.
Other tasks of the office include providing access to current information to Diaspora through government media and official websites; Strengthen social and economic links with Diaspora in the area of science and development of new technology; and develop standards of performance to be observed and achieved by the Diaspora.
Ussi says the Diaspora policy which was launched last year include a vision to have a Diaspora community that is patriotic and ready to contribute towards the socio-economic development of Zanzibar, while the mission is to identify, engage and involve the Zanzibar Diaspora into a unified group for effective support on the development of Zanzibar.
The Minister says there are numerous opportunities (include financial support Diaspora to their families, Investments, knowledge, skills, and technology transfer) which if well utilized can significantly spearhead the development of Zanzibar.

Happy
Happy
0 %
Sad
Sad
0 %
Excited
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
Angry
0 %
Surprise
Surprise
0 %