Examining reasons for an increase of illegal immigrants in Tanzania

Various studies and documentary reports have revealed repeatedly the presence of an increasing entry and continuing presence of illegal immigrants in Tanzania. Evidence from the empirical literature review indicates the presence of the problem, although unfortunately there have been few efforts to investigate why the case is. The general objective of the study was to find out why there is an increasing entry and continuing presence of illegal immigrants in Tanzania. Therefore, the study was intended to address the following specific research objectives, namely, to investigate the specific reasons for an increase of illegal immigrants to Tanzania, to examine the effectiveness of the legal framework to alleviate the problem and to examine the collaboration (if any) among the law enforcement organs towards combating the problem. The methodology employed to collect data and achieve the research objectives included, interviews, questionnaires and documentary sources. Data analysis was done through the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences and manually in part. Content analysis was used for the responses obtained from open – ended questions and interviews. The study findings from the field were presented both qualitatively and quantitatively through explanations and drawn tables for easy interpretation. The findings of the study have identified several reasons leading to an increasing entry and continuing presence of illegal immigrants in Tanzania including, the porousness of the border accompanied by a few officers, corruption, the natural geographical position, ignorance and hospitality of Tanzanians, calm political environment, availability of various economic investments, lack of routine collaboration among laws enforcement organs and the out- datedness of the law currently in use. The study recommends a review of the Immigration Act. No. 7 of 1995, a review of the immigration payment system, establishment of the Immigration Marine unit and Ward Immigration offices, use of modern technology to help monitoring the border, recruitment of more immigration officers, and the intensification of patrols and investigation among others.