Tanzania on Monday launched electronic visa and residence permit services for foreign nationals wishing to visit or live in Tanzania.
This is aimed at enhancing efficiency and boost security as well as revenue collection in the country.
Speaking at the launch, Tanzania’s Prime Minister, Kassim Majaliwa, urged the beneficiaries of the new e-documents to abide by the laws of Tanzania and conditions of their visit or residence.
“Electronic visas and residence permits launched on Monday are parts of efforts made by the government to ease access to the country with the view to promoting investment, especially in the industrial sector.
“The e-immigration service started immediately after the launch, meaning all foreigners wishing to visit or to reside in Tanzania can make such applications online from all corners of the globe.
“E-documents brings an end to unnecessary bureaucracy and consequent delays that foreigners travelling to Tanzania grappled with before,’’ Majaliwa said.
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He added that the new technology was also meant to enhance security in the country.
The premier said that the decision to go electronic in the immigration department was in line with the government’s policy to adopt information and communication technology in its operations, popularly known as e-government.
He said that the switch to e-immigration was also set to boost government revenue as all related fees would be paid by applicants electronically through government’s e-payment system.
“I call upon all immigration officers and employees of the immigration department to take care of the new system and its infrastructure,” he said.
He explained that the introduction of the technology was part of the government’s commitment to deliver services to Tanzanian citizens as well as foreign nationals visiting the country.