THE REFUGEES ACT

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CHAPTER 37
THE REFUGEES ACT
[PRINCIPAL LEGISLATION]
Arrangement of Sections
Section Title
part i
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. Short title.
2. Application.
3. Interpretation.
4. Definition of refugee, cessation, exclusion.
part ii
ADMINISTRATION PROVISIONS
5. Director of Refugee Services.
6. Establishment of Committee.
7. Functions of Committee.
8. Ad-hoc Committee.
9. Determination of status.
10. Application of refugee status.
11. Consideration of application by Director.
12. Petition for review.
part iii
PROVISIONS APPLYING TO REFUGEES GENERALLY
13. Places of entry or departure and routes.
14. Surrender of weapons.
15. Permit to remain in Tanzania.
16. Detention and slaughter of animals.
17. Possession of vehicle of asylum seeker or refugee.
part iv
SPECIAL PROVISIONS WHICH MAY BE APPLIED TO REFUGEES
18. Refugees’ Trust Fund.
19. Designated area.
20. Requirement to reside in designated area.
21. Control of designated area.

AY BE APPLIED TO REFUGEES
18. Refugees’ Trust Fund.
19. Designated area.
20. Requirement to reside in designated area.
21. Control of designated area.

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THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
22. Administration of designated area.
23. Restriction on persons entering designated area or addressing
asylum seekers or refugees.
24. Powers of competent authorities outside their areas.
part v
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
25. Mode of giving rules, orders or directions.
26. Communication between Minister, Director, competent authority
and asylum seeker or refugee.
27. Offences and penalties.
28. Prevention, arrest, search, seizure and investigation.
29. Use of force to effect arrest.
30. Detention of asylum seeker or refugee.
31. Deportation of asylum seeker or refugee.
32. Protection of bona fide act.
33. Registration of asylum seekers and refugees.
34. Education for refugees.
35. Work permit for refugees.
36. Payment of taxes.
37. Voluntary repatriation.
38. Family re-union.
39. Resettlement.
40. Repeal.

ation for refugees.
35. Work permit for refugees.
36. Payment of taxes.
37. Voluntary repatriation.
38. Family re-union.
39. Resettlement.
40. Repeal.

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CHAPTER 37
THE REFUGEES ACT
An Act to make provision for the enactment of the Refugees Act, National
Eligibility Committee, asylum seekers, refugee administration and to
repeal the Refugee (Control) Act and for related matters. [15th April, 1999]
[GN. No. 107 of 1999]
Acts Nos. 9 of 1998
1 of 2015
8 of 2015
PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. This Act may be cited as the Refugees Act. 2. This Act shall apply throughout the United Republic. 3.

2015
8 of 2015
PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. This Act may be cited as the Refugees Act. 2. This Act shall apply throughout the United Republic. 3.

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires-
“AU” means the African Union;
“area” means when a competent authority is a Regional
Commissioner, the region of which he has the charge and
when the competent authority is a District Commissioner,
the district of which he has the charge;
“asylum” means shelter granted by the Government to
persons qualifying for refugee status in accordance with
the provisions of this Act;
“asylum seeker” means a person seeking refugee status
in accordance with the provisions of this Act and in
accordance with other International Conventions relating
to refugee matters of which Tanzania has acceded to;
“authorised officer” means the Director of Refugee Services,
refugee officer, a settlement officer or immigration officer;
Short title
Application
Interpretation

officer” means the Director of Refugee Services,
refugee officer, a settlement officer or immigration officer;
Short title
Application
Interpretation

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THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E.

t of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.264
THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E.

2023]
“Committee” means the National Eligibility Committee
established under section 6 of this Act;
“competent authority” means a Regional Commissioner and
for the purpose of sections 13, 14, 16 and 17 includes a
District Commissioner;
“dependant” has the meaning ascribed to it by the
Immigration Act;
“designated areas” means an area declared as such by the
Minister or competent authority under subsections (1),
(2) and (3) of section 19;
“Director” means the Director of Refugee Services appointed
under section 5 of this Act;
“family” includes husband or wife or a lawfully recognised
spouse, children below 18 years and any person living
with the asylum seeker or refugee as a dependant;
“lock up” means any facility for holding or detaining
remanded asylum seekers and refugees within the
designated areas;
“Minister” means the Minister responsible for refugees
matters;
“reception area” means an area declared as such by the
Minister under section 19(1);
“refugee officer” means an officer responsible for refugees’
matters under this Act and answerable to the Director;
“refugee settlement” means a refugee settlement established
in accordance with section 19(3);
“settlement officer” means a person appointed to be in
charge of a designated area;
“Trust” means Tanzania Refugee Trust established under
section 18 of this Act;
“UN” means the United Nations;
“UNHCR” means United Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees.

ia Refugee Trust established under
section 18 of this Act;
“UN” means the United Nations;
“UNHCR” means United Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees.

Cap. 54
GN. No. 75 of 2018

Cap. 54
GN. No. 75 of 2018

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THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E.

t of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.265
THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E.

2023]
4.–(1) Subject to the provisions of subsections (3) and (4) this
section and for and the purposes of this Act, a refugee is any
person who-
(a) is outside the country of his nationality or if he has
no nationality, the country of his former habitual
residence, because he has or had a well founded
fear of persecution by reason of his race, religion,
nationality membership of a particular social group
or political opinion and is unable or, because of such
fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of
the Government of the country of his nationality, or,
if he has no nationality, to return to the country of his
former habitual residence;
(b) owing to external aggression, occupation, foreign
domination or events seriously disturbing public order
in either part or the whole of his country of origin or
nationality, is compelled to leave his place of habitual
residence in order to seek refuge in another place
outside his country of origin or nationality;
(c) belongs to a group of persons which by notice in the
Government Gazette has been declared to be refugees
for he has or had a well founded fear of persecution by
reason of his race, the reasons set out in paragraphs (a)
and (b) of this subsection.

refugees
for he has or had a well founded fear of persecution by
reason of his race, the reasons set out in paragraphs (a)
and (b) of this subsection.

(2) In the case of a person who has several nationalities the
term “a country of which he is a national” shall mean each
of the countries of which he is a national, and a person shall
not be deemed to be lacking the protection of the country of
which he is a national if, without any valid reason based on
well founded fear, he has not availed himself of the protection
of one of the countries of which he is a national. (3) A person shall cease to be considered to be a refugee for
the purposes of this Act if-
(a) he has voluntarily re-availed himself of the protection
of the country of his nationality;
(b) having lost his nationality he has voluntarily
reacquired it;
Definition of
refugee, cessation,
exclusion

ction
of the country of his nationality;
(b) having lost his nationality he has voluntarily
reacquired it;
Definition of
refugee, cessation,
exclusion

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THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
(c) he has acquired a new nationality, and enjoys the
protection of the country of his new nationality;
(d) he has voluntarily re-established himself in the country
which he remained owing to fear of persecution;
(e) he can no longer because of the circumstances in
connection with which he was recognised as a refugee
having ceased to exist, continue to refuse to avail himself
of the protection of the country of his nationality, or
if he has no nationality of the country of his former
habitual residence;
(f) he has committed a serious non-political crime outside
his country of refuge after his admission to that country
as a refugee;
(g) he has seriously infringed the purposes and objectives
of the 1969 OAU Refugee Convention governing the
“Specific Aspects for Refugee Problems in Africa”; or
(h) he has involved himself in subversive activities whilst
enjoying asylum in Tanzania.

ing the
“Specific Aspects for Refugee Problems in Africa”; or
(h) he has involved himself in subversive activities whilst
enjoying asylum in Tanzania.

(4) A person shall not be considered a refugee for the
purposes of this Act if-
(a) he has committed a crime against peace, a war crime or
a crime against humanity, as defined in International
instruments drawn up to make provision in respect of
such crimes;
(b) he committed a serious non-political crime outside the
country of refuge prior to his admission in Tanzania as
a refugee;
(c) he has been guilty of any act contrary to the purposes
and principles of the AU or UN;
(d) he has already been granted refugee status or asylum
in another country prior to his entry to Tanzania
provided that a person qualifying for resettlement or
family re-unification in accordance with the provisions
of this Act or a person arriving from a territory where
there has been a serious breach of peace, shall have his
application for asylum considered; or

of this Act or a person arriving from a territory where
there has been a serious breach of peace, shall have his
application for asylum considered; or

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THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
(e) prior to his entry into Tanzania he has transited
through one or more countries and is unable to show
reasonable cause for failure to seek asylum in those
countries, provided that a person who has transited
through a country or countries where there is a serious
serviced breach of peace. PART II
ADMINISTRATION PROVISIONS
5.–(1) There shall be a Director of Refugee Services, who shall
be appointed by the President.

iced breach of peace. PART II
ADMINISTRATION PROVISIONS
5.–(1) There shall be a Director of Refugee Services, who shall
be appointed by the President.

(2) The functions of the Director shall be the following-
(a) to convene meetings of the National Eligibility
Committee;
(b) to receive applications for refugees status and submit
them to the Committee or the ad-hoc Committee;
(c) to register applications for refugee status and maintain
a register status and a register of recognised refugees,
alterations to any of those registers can only be done
upon approval of the Minister;
(d) to co-ordinate the provision of adequate facilities and
services for the reception and care of refugees and
asylum seekers within Tanzania;
(e) to ensure that an applicant for refugee status is not
ordered to leave the country before his claim for refugee
status has been decided upon in accordance with the
provisions of this Act;
(f) to receive applications for a resettlement of refugees
in Tanzania from other countries of asylum, to
submit them before the Committee and to keep all
records thereof;
(g) to implement and communicate with applicants the
decisions of the Minister; and
(h) to exercise any other functions and duties that may be
assigned to him by the Minister in terms of this Act. Director of
Refugee Services

ter; and
(h) to exercise any other functions and duties that may be
assigned to him by the Minister in terms of this Act. Director of
Refugee Services

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THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
(3) The destruction, variation or alteration of any record
made or kept under the terms of this section shall not be made
except with approval of the Minister and shall be published in
the Government Gazette. 6.–(1) There is established a National Eligibility Committee
which shall consist of the following members-
(a) the Director;
(b) not less than seven other members appointed by the
Minister in consultation with their respective Ministers
as follows-
(i) the Director of Public Prosecutions, who shall be
the Chairman;
(ii) senior officer from the President’s Office;
(iii) senior officer from the Prime Minister’s Office;
(iv) senior officer from the Chief Minister’s Office;
(v) senior officer from Ministry responsible for
foreign affairs;
(vi) the Inspector-General of Police; and
(vii) Commissioner General of Tanzania Immigration
Service Department. (2) The Officer of the UNHCR Representative in Tanzania
shall be invited to attend the meetings of the Committee as
an observer.

n
Service Department. (2) The Officer of the UNHCR Representative in Tanzania
shall be invited to attend the meetings of the Committee as
an observer.

(3) The Minister may, when he considers it necessary,
co-opt for a specified period not more than two additional
members to the Committee but co-opted members have no
right of vote. (4) The Committee shall elect annually by simple majority a
Vice-Chairman from amongst its members. (5) The Committee shall in the absence of the Chairman
and Vice-Chairman, elect by a simple majority from among its
permanent members an acting Chairman. (6) The Office of the Director shall provide the Secretariat
of the Committee. Establishment of
Committee
Act No. 8 of 2015 s. 13

an acting Chairman. (6) The Office of the Director shall provide the Secretariat
of the Committee. Establishment of
Committee
Act No. 8 of 2015 s. 13

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THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
7. The functions of the Committee shall be as follows-
(a) consider all applicants for refugee status and
recommend to the Minister for-
(i) grant of refugee status and asylum; or
(ii) denial of refugee status and asylum;
(b) consider and make recommendations to the Minister on
applications for family re-unification with recognised
refugees in Tanzania;
(c) consider and make recommendations to the Minister
on requests from refugees for resettlement in Tanzania;
and
(d) advise the Minister or the Director on any matter
referred to it by either of them or both. 8.–(1) Where it is not feasible for the Committee to convene,
the Minister shall direct that an ad-hoc Committee be
constituted to consider the refugee status of any group of
persons claiming to be refugees and make recommendation to
the Minister accordingly.

tee be
constituted to consider the refugee status of any group of
persons claiming to be refugees and make recommendation to
the Minister accordingly.

(2) An ad-hoc Committee referred to in subsection (1) shall
be in respect of the area where the asylum seekers are and shall
be composed of the-
(a) member of Parliament;
(b) Director;
(c) Regional Administrative Secretary;
(d) Regional Security Officer;
(e) Regional Police Commander;
(f) Regional Immigration Officer; and
(g) the State Attorney in charge of the area where the
asylum is sought. (3) The UNHCR Representative in Tanzania or in his absence
any other UNHCR Official designated by the Representative in
Tanzania shall be invited to attend as an observer. (4) The Minister shall appoint a Chairman and Vice-
Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee. Functions of
Committee
Ad-hoc
Committee

o attend as an observer. (4) The Minister shall appoint a Chairman and Vice-
Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee. Functions of
Committee
Ad-hoc
Committee

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THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
(5) The Minister shall specify the group of persons whom
the ad-hoc Committee shall consider their status and a time
frame within which the Committee shall accomplish its work. (6) The office of the Director shall provide the Secretariat of
the ad-hoc Committee. 9.–(1) A person entering or who is within Tanzania, whether
lawfully or otherwise and wishes to remain in Tanzania as a
refugee within the meaning of section 4, shall immediately
and not later than seven days after entry, unless he can show
reasonable cause for delay, present himself or report to the
nearest authorised officer, village executive officer, or a justice
of peace and apply for recognition as a refugee.

present himself or report to the
nearest authorised officer, village executive officer, or a justice
of peace and apply for recognition as a refugee.

(2) In the case of a person who is lawfully in Tanzania and
is subsequently unable to return to his country of origin for
the reasons within the meaning of section 4 he shall, prior to
the expiration of his lawful stay, present himself or report and
apply to an authorised officer for recognition as refugee in
accordance with the provisions of this Act. (3) Without prejudice to the provision of this section, a
person claiming to be a refugee within the meaning of section
4 shall not merely for reasons of his illegal entry be declared
a prohibited immigrant, detained or penalised in any other
way save that, any person who after entering Tanzania or who
is within Tanzania fails to comply with subsection (1) of this
section commits an offence. 10.–(1) Where the authority to whom the person reports or
represents himself in accordance with section (9) is not an
authorised officer, shall instruct the person claiming to be a
refugee to apply for recognition of his refugee status and refer
him to an authorised officer. [s.

officer, shall instruct the person claiming to be a
refugee to apply for recognition of his refugee status and refer
him to an authorised officer. [s.

9(4)]
(2) In applying for refugee status the applicant shall-
(a) immediately fill in a prescribed application form and
the application shall be registered by an authorised
officer within the local area of his point of entry into
Tanzania; and
Determination of
status
Application of
refugee status

gistered by an authorised
officer within the local area of his point of entry into
Tanzania; and
Determination of
status
Application of
refugee status

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THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
(b) in addition to the application form, he shall be entitled
to make any statement and submit evidence in support
of his claim, if he so wishes. [s. 9(5)]
(3) The authorised officer shall interview the applicant and
reduce the interview into writing. [s. 9(5)(b)]
(4) The transcript shall be read to the applicant who may
make corrections before it is signed by both the interviewing
officer and the applicant. [s. 9(5)(b)]
(5) Where the applicant does not wish to sign the transcript
the reasons for declining shall be indicated. [s. 9(5)(b)]
(6) The authorised officer shall as soon as possible transmit
the application forms and any statements, transcripts or
evidence in support thereof to the Director. [s.

d officer shall as soon as possible transmit
the application forms and any statements, transcripts or
evidence in support thereof to the Director. [s.

9(5)(c)]
11.–(1) The Director shall upon receipt of the application
submit the same before the Committee, ensure that the
Committee convenes and considers the application within
a period of sixty days from the time of making application,
provided that the Director for reasonable cause may extend
the period of sixty days. [s. 9(5)(d)]
(2) The office of the Director shall inform the UNHCR
representative in Tanzania of the presence in Tanzania of
any person claiming to be a refugee and such person shall be
informed of his right to contact the UNHCR office in Tanzania. [s. 9(5)(e)]
(3) The Committee shall-
(a) have before it application forms, statements, transcripts
and any additional information previously given by
the applicant the authorised officer and the UNHCR
representative in Tanzania;
Consideration
of application by
Director

nformation previously given by
the applicant the authorised officer and the UNHCR
representative in Tanzania;
Consideration
of application by
Director

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THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
(b) if deemed appropriate to investigate and seek all
relevant information from appropriate sources within
and outside the country, provided that the authorities
shall not be contacted by the Committee;
(c) be at liberty to summon the applicant before it whenever
deemed necessary to clarify or answer questions
pertaining to his claim for refugee status and, or asylum;
(d) if deemed necessary call any other person to appear
before it and may consider any other relevant or
written submissions;
(e) referred the recommendations to the Minister who
without delay shall decide on the recommendations
and cause the applicant to be informed of his decision
through the Director;
(f) inform the UNHCR representative in Tanzania of the
Minister’s decision without delay; and
(g) in dealing with an application under this section,
the asylum seeker may be permitted to bring along a
competent interpreter if necessary. [s.

and
(g) in dealing with an application under this section,
the asylum seeker may be permitted to bring along a
competent interpreter if necessary. [s.

9(6)]
(4) A person whose application for refugee status and
asylum has been rejected in accordance with this section,
shall be deemed to be an illegal immigrant and dealt with
in accordance with the provisions of the Immigration Act
unless a person has been accorded a mandate refugee status by
UNHCR pending his resettlement or relocation by UNHCR to
another country within a specified period. [s. 9(9)]
12.–(1) Where refugee status has been denied, the Director
shall inform the asylum seeker of the right to petition for a
review to the Minister within seven days in accordance with
subsection (2) of this section. [s. 9(6)(g)]
(2) A person dissatisfied by the decision of the Minister
recognising any person or group or category of persons as
refugees or rescinding or withdrawing the refugee status under
Cap. 54
Petition for
review

r
recognising any person or group or category of persons as
refugees or rescinding or withdrawing the refugee status under
Cap. 54
Petition for
review

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THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
this section, may petition for a review to the Minister within
seven days from the day of being informed of the decision. [s. 9(7)]
(3) A petition under subsection (1) shall be submitted in
writing to the Minister whose decision on the matter shall
be final. [s. 9(8)]
PART III
PROVISIONS APPLYING TO REFUGEES GENERALLY
13.–(1) The Minister or, as the case may be the competent
authority may, by order in writing direct that-
(a) any asylum seeker or refugee entering or leaving
Tanzania shall enter or leave by specified routes or at
specified places; and
(b) any asylum seeker or refugee moving from one part of
Tanzania to another shall move by specified routes. (2) The Minister or, the competent authority may specify
terms or conditions for orders made under subsection (1) of
this section as it deems fit. (3) The asylum seeker or refugee who contravenes an order
made under this section or the terms or conditions thereof,
commits an offence. [s.

ems fit. (3) The asylum seeker or refugee who contravenes an order
made under this section or the terms or conditions thereof,
commits an offence. [s.

10]
14.–(1) The asylum seeker or refugee who brings any arms or
ammunition into Tanzania shall immediately surrender such
arms or ammunition to an authorised officer. (2) The competent authority may, by order in writing, direct
that any asylum seeker or refugee in his area shall, within the
time as may be specified in the order, surrender to an authorised
officer any other weapon or weapons, or any instrument or tool
so specified which is in, or come into, his possession unless
the possessor thereof has written authority to retain the same
signed by the competent authority in that behalf. Places of entry
or departure and
routes
Surrender of
weapons

as written authority to retain the same
signed by the competent authority in that behalf. Places of entry
or departure and
routes
Surrender of
weapons

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THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
(3) The asylum seeker or refugee who fails to surrender any
arms, ammunition, weapon, instrument or tool in accordance
with this section or any order made hereunder, commits an
offence and on conviction shall be liable to imprisonment for a
term not exceeding two years. (4) In this section, “arms” and “ammunition” have the
meanings respectively ascribed to those expressions in the
Firearms and Ammunition Control Act, and the provisions of
this section in relation to arms and ammunition are in addition
to, and not a substitute of the provisions of the Act aforesaid. [s. 11]
15.–(1) An asylum seeker or refugee to whom this section
applies shall not remain in Tanzania unless-
(a) he is issued with a permit to remain in Tanzania; and
(b) he complies with the terms or conditions annexed to
such permit or issued to him in writing by the Director.

h a permit to remain in Tanzania; and
(b) he complies with the terms or conditions annexed to
such permit or issued to him in writing by the Director.

(2) An authorised officer appointed in that behalf shall not
refuse an asylum seeker or refugee a permit under this section
if the officer has reason to believe that the refusal of a permit
shall necessitate the return of the asylum seeker or refugee
to the territory from which he entered Tanzania and that the
asylum seeker or refugee shall be tried or punished for an
offence of a political character after arrival in that territory or
is likely to be persecuted in that territory. (3) The authorised officer may however, subject to assigning
a valid reason after approval of the Director refuse to issue
a permit. (4) Where any asylum seeker or refugee to whom this section
applies fails to obtain or is denied a permit in accordance with
this section, his presence in Tanzania shall, notwithstanding
anything contained in section 2 of the Immigration Act, be
unlawful and an offence under this Act. (5) Where a permit is denied under this section, the
applicant may petition to the Director within seven days from
the date of denial, for a review of his application of a permit to
remain in Tanzania. Cap. 223
Permit to remain
in Tanzania
Cap. 54

n seven days from
the date of denial, for a review of his application of a permit to
remain in Tanzania. Cap. 223
Permit to remain
in Tanzania
Cap. 54

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THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
(6) Where the applicant elects to petition to the Director to
review his case he shall put his grounds in writing and present
them to the Director; the Director shall consider the grounds
expressed in such petition and determine whether to grant the
permit or not. (7) Where the Director confirms the denial of grant of the
permit to the applicant, the applicant may appeal to the Minister
within seven days from the day he receives results of the petition
for review by presenting his grounds in writing to the Minister
whose decision to grant or deny the permit shall be final:
Provided that, such appellant shall be allowed to remain
in the country until finalisation of his appeal and that the
provisions of subsection (4) of this section shall apply
immediately after the finalisation of the appeal. (8) An asylum seeker or refugee to whom a permit has been
issued under this section who fails to comply with the terms
and conditions thereof commits an offence. [s.

eeker or refugee to whom a permit has been
issued under this section who fails to comply with the terms
and conditions thereof commits an offence. [s.

12]
16.–(1) The competent authority may direct that, any animal
imported into the area from outside Tanzania by any person
whom he has reason to believe to be an asylum seeker or a
refugee shall be kept in a place as he shall direct or shall be
slaughtered or otherwise disposed of. (2) Where any animal is slaughtered or sold as a result of
any direction given under the provisions of subsection (1)
of this section, the competent authority shall ensure that the
proceeds of the sale, less the expenses incurred thereof, in the
disposal of the animal are paid to the person from whom the
animal was seized or the owner thereof. (3) The proceeds of a sale directed under the provisions of
subsection (2), less the expenses of the sale, shall, if they are
not paid to the person from whom the animal was seized or
the owner of the animal, be paid into the Refugees’ Trust Fund
as provided for under section 18 of this Act. (4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section,
if a veterinary officer in the service of the Government is of
the opinion that, in order to prevent the spread of disease it
Detention and
slaughter of
animals

inary officer in the service of the Government is of
the opinion that, in order to prevent the spread of disease it
Detention and
slaughter of
animals

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.276
THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
is necessary to slaughter any animal which he has reason to
believe belongs to an asylum seeker or a refugee, the animal
shall be slaughtered as the veterinary officer directs. (5) A person who in any way obstructs the carrying out
of any direction given under the provisions of this section
commits an offence. [s. 13]
17. The competent authority may take, or authorise an
authorised officer to take, possession of any vehicle in which
any person whom he has reasonable cause to believe to be an
asylum seeker or a refugee arrived in his area and authorise its
use in the area for the purpose of moving asylum seekers or
refugees or any store or equipment for their use:
Provided that, the ownership of the vehicle taken possession
of under this section shall remain with the rightful owner or
the person from whom it is taken and the vehicle shall be
returned to him as soon as practicable. [s.

section shall remain with the rightful owner or
the person from whom it is taken and the vehicle shall be
returned to him as soon as practicable. [s.

14]
PART IV
SPECIAL PROVISIONS WHICH MAY BE
APPLIED TO REFUGEES
18.–(1) The Minister may establish a public trust to be known
as Tanzania Refugees’ Trust Fund which shall be operated
under the Trustees Incorporation Act by trustees whose
number shall not be less than five or more than eight members
and comprise of:
(a) the Director who shall be the Chairman;
(b) the Representative of UNHCR Branch Office for
Tanzania;
(c) a representative from Tanzania Red Cross;
(d) two refugees, one of whom shall be resident of a
designated area; and
(e) any other two persons with experience and keen
interest in refugee matters. Possession of
vehicle of asylum
seeker or refugee
Refugees’ Trust
Fund
Cap. 318

ther two persons with experience and keen
interest in refugee matters. Possession of
vehicle of asylum
seeker or refugee
Refugees’ Trust
Fund
Cap. 318

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.277
THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
(2) The Refugees’ Trust Fund shall be a charitable body
capable of suing and being sued and have power to hold fixed
and movable property which shall be used in accordance with
the recommendations of the Trustees. (3) The property of any refugee who dies intestate, or
which was unlawfully acquired or which cannot be lawfully
repatriated by its refugee owner or possessor on voluntary
repatriation or resettlement or deportation outside Tanzania
which cannot be lawfully used or utilised by the refugee owner,
possessor or beneficiary thereof for any reason whatsoever
shall vest into the Refugees’ Trust Fund. (4) The Refugees’ Trust Fund shall have power-
(a) to devise any lawful means of raising funds and property
including receiving gifts, presents, donations from any
person within or outside the country et cetera; and
(b) to utilise the funds or property in accordance with the
recommendations of the Trustees.

m any
person within or outside the country et cetera; and
(b) to utilise the funds or property in accordance with the
recommendations of the Trustees.

(5) The Refugees’ Trust Fund quorum shall be constituted
by a minimum of half of existing members and in case of a tie
up, the Chairman shall have a casting vote. [s. 15]
19.–(1) The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, declare any
part of the United Republic to be a designated area. (2) The Director of Refugees Services shall appoint a
settlement officer to be in charge of a refugee settlement or
of a reception, transit or residence areas for asylum seekers
or refugees. (3) A settlement, reception, shall include all the land and
buildings within the settlement, reception, transit, or residence
boundaries or enclosure and any other land or buildings
belonging or attached thereto and used by the asylum seekers
or the refugees. (4) In any writ, warrant, instrument or other legal document
in which it may be necessary, to describe a particular designated
area by reference to the name of the place or town where it
is situated, or other definite description such writ, warrant,
Designated area

designated
area by reference to the name of the place or town where it
is situated, or other definite description such writ, warrant,
Designated area

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.278
THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
instrument or legal document shall be valid and sufficient for
all purposes:
Provided that, geographical boundaries shall clearly be
spelt out in the declaration and establishments referred to in
subsection (1) of this section respectively. [s. 16]
20.–(1) The competent authority, in consultation with the
Minister or the Director may by order, require any asylum
seeker or refugee or group or category of refugees to whom
this section applies who is within his area to reside within
a designated area whether or not such area is within the
jurisdiction of competent authority. (2) The competent authority in consultation with the
Minister, or the Director may require any asylum seeker or
refugee or group or category of refugees to whom this section
applies who is within a designated area within such competent
authority’s area to move to or reside in any other designated
area whether within such competent authority’s area or not.

d area within such competent
authority’s area to move to or reside in any other designated
area whether within such competent authority’s area or not.

(3) An asylum seeker or refugee to whom an order made
under this section applies who-
(a) fails to comply with such order;
(b) fails to move to or take up residence in a designated area
in accordance with such order within reasonable time; or
(c) having arrived at a designated area, in pursuance of
such order, leaves or attempts to leave such area, except
in pursuance of some other order or permit made
under this section, commits an offence against this Act. (4) The competent authority or the Director as the case may
be, may vary, revise or cancel any order or requirement made
by him under subsections (1) or (2) of this section. (5) The asylum seeker or refugee shall not-
(a) be allowed to leave a designated area as directed under
this section unless he has sought and obtained a permit
from the Director or settlement officer and, subject
to such terms and conditions as the Director or a
settlement officer may prescribe in the permit; or
Requirement
to reside in
designated area

subject
to such terms and conditions as the Director or a
settlement officer may prescribe in the permit; or
Requirement
to reside in
designated area

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.279
THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
(b) be allowed to be out of a designated area for more than
fourteen days unless the Director has allowed in the
permit a longer period upon which an asylum seeker
or refugee may stay outside the designated area. (6) An asylum seeker or refugee to whom a permit or
travel document has been issued under this section who fails
to comply with the terms and conditions thereof commits
an offence. [s. 17]
21.–(1) The Minister may make rules, and the Director may
issue directions not inconsistent with the rules, for the control
of a designated area.

17]
21.–(1) The Minister may make rules, and the Director may
issue directions not inconsistent with the rules, for the control
of a designated area.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the subsection
(1), the rules and directions may make provision in respect of
all or any of the following-
(a) the organisation, safety, discipline and administration
of such area;
(b) the reception, transfer, residence, settlements, treatment,
health and wellbeing of an asylum seeker or refugee;
(c) the manner of inquiring into disciplinary offences and
the payment of fine and other penalties;
(d) the establishment and regulation of lock-ups and the
custody of persons therein; and
(e) the powers of settlement officers and the delegation of
such powers. (3) The Director or settlement officer may give orders
or directions, either orally or in writing, to any asylum
seeker or refugee as may be necessary or expedient for the
following purposes-
(a) to ensure that the designated area is administered in an
orderly and efficient manner;
(b) to ensure the performance of any work or duty
necessary for the maintenance of essential services in
the designated area or for the general welfare of the
asylum seekers or refugees therein;
Control of
designated area

ntenance of essential services in
the designated area or for the general welfare of the
asylum seekers or refugees therein;
Control of
designated area

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.280
THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
(c) to ensure that all proper precautions are taken to
preserve the health and wellbeing of the asylum seekers
or refugees therein; and
(d) to preserve orderly conduct and discipline in the
designated area. (4) Any asylum seeker or refugee who-
(a) without a permit in that behalf issued under section 20
leaves or attempts to leave a designated area in which
he has been earmarked to reside;
(b) in a designated area disobeys any rules made by the
Minister, any direction of the competent authority,
the Director or any order or direction of a settlement
officer, made or given under this section; or
(c) in a designated area conducts himself in a manner
prejudicial to good order and discipline, shall be
deemed to have committed a disciplinary offence.

in a designated area conducts himself in a manner
prejudicial to good order and discipline, shall be
deemed to have committed a disciplinary offence.

(5) The Director or a settlement officer may inquire into
any disciplinary offence and if he finds that an asylum seeker
or refugee has been guilty of such disciplinary offence may
furnish him by-
(a) ordering his confinement in a settlement or camp lock-
up for a period not exceeding three days; or
(b) fining him a sum not exceeding five thousand shillings. [s. 18]
22.–(1) The Minister where he deems appropriate, may
establish by notice published in the Government Gazette an
administrative organisation for asylum seekers or refugees in
any designated area. (2) Administrative organisation for asylum seekers or
refugees shall comprise of ten cell leaders at the lowest level,
road committees, village committees in designated areas or
councils at the highest level. (3) At the administrative level established under this section,
there may be established any of the following committees or
subcommittees for undertaking any activities relevant to the
name of the committee-
Administration of
designated area

y of the following committees or
subcommittees for undertaking any activities relevant to the
name of the committee-
Administration of
designated area

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.281
THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
(a) finance and administration;
(b) law and order;
(c) economic development and planning; and
(d) community development and social welfare. (4) Asylum seekers’ or refugees’ leaders and representatives
at all levels of the administrative organisation established
under this section or Act unless otherwise provided in this Act
or other valid law, shall be elected by secret ballot based on
the principles of equality and universal suffrage without any
discrimination on the basis of sex, clan, tribe, nationality, race
or religion. (5) A designated area’s council or village committee may
apply to the Director for registration of their council or
committee as corporation sole under the relevant law capable
of carrying out commercial or public enterprise, suing and
being sued and of holding fixed and movable properties.

sole under the relevant law capable
of carrying out commercial or public enterprise, suing and
being sued and of holding fixed and movable properties.

(6) In case the Director refuses to register or issue with a
certificate of incorporation, the affected council or committee
may appeal in writing within fourteen days to the Minister
who may confirm, or vary the decision of the Director as he
deems appropriate and the decision of the Minister shall be
final provided that the affected council or committee shall
be allowed to apply de novo after expiration of one year from
the time their previous application for incorporation was
refused by the Director or on appeal. (7) The Director shall keep registers for application and
registration of corporation soles for this purpose which shall
be treated as public records. (8) The Minister may make regulations published in the
Government Gazette providing for the functioning or better
carrying out of any matter covered under this section. [s. 19]
23.–(1) A person, other than a person employed in or an asylum
seeker or refugee required to reside or residing in, a designated
area, shall not enter or be within such designated area except
with the general or special permission of the Minister, the
competent authority, the Director or the settlement officer.

n such designated area except
with the general or special permission of the Minister, the
competent authority, the Director or the settlement officer.

Restriction on
persons entering
designated area
or addressing
asylum seekers or
refugees

Restriction on
persons entering
designated area
or addressing
asylum seekers or
refugees

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.282
THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
(2) A person other than the competent authority, an
authorised officer or a person authorised in that behalf by the
competent authority or the settlement officer, may not, in a
designated area, address an assembly or meeting of more than
five asylum seekers or refugees whether or not such meeting is
held in a public place. (3) A person who contravenes the provisions of this section
commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a
sentence of imprisonment not exceeding five years or a fine
not exceeding two hundred thousand shillings or to both. [s. 20]
24.–(1) Where a competent authority having power in
that behalf-
(a) orders any asylum seeker or refugee to be detained in
prison under section 30; or
(b) orders any asylum seeker or refugee to reside in any
designated area of section 20, such order shall have
effect throughout the United Republic.

r
(b) orders any asylum seeker or refugee to reside in any
designated area of section 20, such order shall have
effect throughout the United Republic.

(2) In making an order which is likely to affect the life or
status of a person claiming to be a refugee, the Minister or the
competent authority shall have regard to Part III of Chapter 1
of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania of 1977,
and the relevant International Conventions on refugees which
stipulates on treatment of refugees. [s. 21]
PART V
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
25.–(1) A rules, orders or directions made by the Minister
under this Act shall be in the Government Gazette. (2) A rules, orders or directions given by an authorised officer
other than the Minister may be published in such manner as
the authority making the same considers appropriate in order
to bring the same to the notice of the persons to whom they
apply or who are affected thereby but, shall not be required to
Powers of
competent
authorities
outside their
areas
Mode of giving
rules, orders or
directions

who are affected thereby but, shall not be required to
Powers of
competent
authorities
outside their
areas
Mode of giving
rules, orders or
directions

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.283
THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
be published in the Gazette provided that any such rule, order
or direction which is applied or directed to any person shall, if
in writing, be served on, and if not in writing, be given to, the
person or group of persons affected. [s. 22]
26.–(1) An application, petition for review or appeal made
by an asylum seeker or a refugee to the Minister, the Director
or a competent authority must be done in writing in a
prescribed manner. (2) A decision made on an application, petition for review
or appeal must be communicated to the applicant in writing in
a prescribed manner. [s. 23]
27.–(1) An asylum seeker or refugee who fails to obey any
lawful order of the Minister, the competent authority, the
Director or of a settlement officer or who obstructs any officer
in exercise of his power under this Act, commits an offence
and on conviction shall be liable to imprisonment for a period
not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding fifty thousand
shillings or to both.

e
and on conviction shall be liable to imprisonment for a period
not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding fifty thousand
shillings or to both.

(2) A person, who commits an offence under this Act for
which a penalty is not specifically provided on conviction
shall be liable to imprisonment for a period not exceeding
six months or fine not exceeding fifty thousand shillings or
to both. (3) Where any act or omission constitutes both a disciplinary
offence under section 21 and an offence punishable under this
Act on conviction, an asylum seeker or refugee shall not be
punished for the same act or omission both as a disciplinary
offence and a penal offence punishable on conviction. [s. 24]
28.–(1) A settlement officer may arrest without a warrant any
person when he has reasonable ground for suspecting to have
committed an offence or a disciplinary offence under this Act
Communication
between Minister,
Director,
competent
authority and
asylum seeker or
refugee
Offences and
penalties
Prevention,
arrest, search,
seizure and
investigation

ween Minister,
Director,
competent
authority and
asylum seeker or
refugee
Offences and
penalties
Prevention,
arrest, search,
seizure and
investigation

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.284
THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
and such person may be detained in custody in a settlement or
camp lock-up in accordance with this Act. (2) A person detained under subsection (1) for a disciplinary
offence, shall not remain in such custody for a period exceeding
twenty-four hours before any disciplinary proceedings are
completed against him:
Provided that, a settlement officer may grant bail to a person
who is otherwise subject to detention under subsection (1) and
(2) of this section upon that person executing a bond with or
without sureties to appear before him if so required. (3) Where a person is detained under subsection (1) of this
section for an offence under this Act, he shall be produced
before the court within twenty four hours after the arrest or as
soon as practicable thereafter and subsequently such person
may be remanded or granted bail by the court in accordance
with this Act, the Criminal Procedure Act or the Magistrates’
Courts Act.

ently such person
may be remanded or granted bail by the court in accordance
with this Act, the Criminal Procedure Act or the Magistrates’
Courts Act.

(4) A settlement officer shall have the same powers as
a police officer of the rank of constable for purposes of
prevention, arrest, search, seizure and investigation of crime
under this Act:
Provided that, a settlement officer or any other refugee
officer acting on his behalf shall have the same powers as a
police officer commanding section or of an inspector of police. [s. 25]
29. An authorised officer or any person acting with the
authority of an authorised officer may use such force as may
be necessary to compel any asylum seeker or refugee with any
order or direction, whether oral or in writing, given under or
pursuant to the provisions of this Act:
Provided that, before any force is used an authorised officer
or any person acting with the authority of an authorised officer
shall inform the asylum seeker or refugee that he is about to
use force to compel him to comply with any order or direction. [s. 26]
Cap. 20
Cap. 11
Use of force to
effect arrest

er or refugee that he is about to
use force to compel him to comply with any order or direction. [s. 26]
Cap. 20
Cap. 11
Use of force to
effect arrest

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.285
THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
30.–(1) Where the Minister or, any competent authority
appointed by the Minister in that behalf is satisfied that any
asylum seeker or refugee is acting in a manner prejudicial to
peace and good order or is prejudicing the relations between the
Government of United Republic and any other Government,
he may, by order in writing, direct that asylum seeker or
refugee be detained in prison for a period not exceeding three
months except that for any excess period the provisions of the
Preventive Detention Act shall apply or he shall be released.

eriod not exceeding three
months except that for any excess period the provisions of the
Preventive Detention Act shall apply or he shall be released.

(2) Where it appears to the Minister or, any competent
authority appointed by the Minister in that behalf that it is
likely that any asylum seeker or refugee has committed any
offence in any other territory for which he has not been
punished, being an offence which, if committed within United
Republic, would be punishable by imprisonment, the Minister
or such competent authority may by order in writing, direct
that such asylum seeker or refugee be detained in prison:
Provided that, if no extradition proceedings under
Extradition Act, are commenced against him for a period of
three months thereof, he shall be released.

vided that, if no extradition proceedings under
Extradition Act, are commenced against him for a period of
three months thereof, he shall be released.

(3) An order under subsection (1) or (2) shall be sufficient
authority for any authorised officer to arrest the asylum seeker
or refugee to whom it applies and to detain him in custody
pending or during his transfer to prison and for the officer
in charge of a prison to hold such asylum seeker or refugee
in custody as an unconvicted prisoner until a release order
is issued by the Minister or the period of three months
has expired:
Provided that, where any such order is made by a competent
authority the order shall, unless confirmed by the Minister,
expire at the end of the fourteenth day from the day he was
arrested and the asylum seeker or refugee to whom any order of
detention under this section applies shall not be arrested again
for the same reason after he has been released in accordance
with this Act. (4) The officer in charge of the prison on releasing any
asylum seeker or refugee under this section, shall hand over
Detention of
asylum seeker or
refugee
Cap. 361
Cap. 368

ge of the prison on releasing any
asylum seeker or refugee under this section, shall hand over
Detention of
asylum seeker or
refugee
Cap. 361
Cap. 368

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.286
THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
an asylum seeker or refugee to the nearest authorised officer
who shall take such person to the Director or designated area. (5) For the avoidance of doubt, any officer in charge of a
prison or any other place of confinement where any asylum
seeker or refugee is kept under this section, shall have power
to release such inmate without any further order from or
reference to the Minister or competent authority basing on the
time limit set under this section provided he conforms with
subsection (4) of this section. [s. 27]
31.–(1) The Minister or a competent authority appointed by the
Minister on that behalf may at any time order in writing that-
(a) any asylum seeker who has not qualified to be granted
refugee status under section 4 of this Act; or
(b) a refugee who is dangerous to the security of the
state or has ceased to be a refugee shall be deported
from United Republic by such means or route as he
may direct.

s dangerous to the security of the
state or has ceased to be a refugee shall be deported
from United Republic by such means or route as he
may direct.

(2) A refugee deported under subsection (1) of this section
shall be informed in writing about his deportation. (3) A refugee who is issued with a deportation order under
this section may appeal to, or may petition for review to the
Minister or a competent authority within seven days from the
date he is served with the deportation order. (4) Where the petition or review has been filed to
the competent authority such competent authority shall
immediately transmit the same to the Minister and the
Minister may, in consultation with the Director consider the
appeal or review and shall have power to confirm or revoke the
deportation order:
Provided that, pending the determination of the appeal or
review by the Minister the deportation order issued shall not
be executed. (5) A court convicting any asylum seeker or refugee of an
offence under the provisions of this section, shall order the
deportation of such asylum seeker or refugee to the territory
from which he entered United Republic or any other country of
Deportation of
asylum seeker or
refugee

f such asylum seeker or refugee to the territory
from which he entered United Republic or any other country of
Deportation of
asylum seeker or
refugee

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.287
THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
his choice which shall take effect immediately after conviction
or after serving the sentence. (6) When any person is deported under the preceding
subsections of this section he may be held in custody
pending deportation. (7) An order shall not be made under the preceding
subsections of this section in respect of an asylum seeker or
refugee if the Minister, the competent authority or the court, is
of the opinion that such a person will be tried or punished for
an offence of a political character after arrival in the territory
from which he came or is likely to be the subject of physical
attack in such territory. (8) An asylum seeker or refugee who fails to comply with an
order made under this section commits an offence. [s. 28]
32.–(1) A person who does or omits to do anything in the
execution of his duty under this Act shall not be subject to any
personal liability whatsoever if the same act or omission was
bona fide.

thing in the
execution of his duty under this Act shall not be subject to any
personal liability whatsoever if the same act or omission was
bona fide.

(2) Save as provided in subsection (2) of section 16,
compensation shall not be payable and action shall not be
brought against any person acting in the execution of his
duty under this Act for any damage done or loss occasioned
by, the detention or slaughter of any animal under the powers
conferred by section 16, or the detention or use of any vehicle
under the powers conferred by section 17. [s. 29]
33.–(1) The Director shall register and keep records of all
asylum seekers and refugees present and the designated areas
established in United Republic and for this purpose he shall
be deemed to be the registrar of asylum seekers and refugees,
provided that he may delegate in writing this function to
settlement officers or refugee officers. (2) The Minister may appoint any public officer to be
assistant registrar of asylum seekers or refugees for any specific
area by order published in the Government Gazette:
Protection of
bona fide act
Registration of
asylum seekers
and refugees

r refugees for any specific
area by order published in the Government Gazette:
Protection of
bona fide act
Registration of
asylum seekers
and refugees

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.288
THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
Provided that, such appointed assistant registrars within
the areas of their jurisdiction shall carry out their functions
under the direction and supervision of the Director. (3) Where a Ward Development Committee is established
for asylum seekers or refugees in designated areas, the
Chairman of the same shall be the settlement officer and
where need arise for representation in any local government
organ must be done by a citizen of United Republic being the
settlement officer or refugee officer appointed by the Director
in that behalf and shall represent the organisation concerned:
Provided that representatives of refugees may be allowed
to accompany the settlement officer or refugee officer as
an observer.

rganisation concerned:
Provided that representatives of refugees may be allowed
to accompany the settlement officer or refugee officer as
an observer.

(4) The Minister, where he deems appropriate, may by
notice published in the Gazette, establish any administrative
arrangement or non-political organisation for refugees or
asylum seekers in any designated area with a ten cell leader
system at the lowest level up to the Committee, Council or
apex organised at the highest level:
Provided that representatives or leaders in such
administrative arrangement or organisation shall conform
as far as is practicable with the basic principles of election by
universal suffrage and secret ballot. (5) The registration of asylum seekers or refugees under
this Act is without prejudice to any other registration laws
requiring registration of persons resident or present in United
Republic. (6) Any asylum seeker or refugee who fails to register
himself under this Act, commits an offence and on conviction
shall be liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand
shillings or to imprisonment for not more than three years or
to both. [s.

on conviction
shall be liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand
shillings or to imprisonment for not more than three years or
to both. [s.

30]
34.–(1) A refugee child shall be entitled to primary education
in accordance with the Education Act and a refugee adult who
desires to participate in adult education shall be entitled to do
so in accordance with the Institute of Adult Education Act. Education for
refugees
Cap. 353
Cap. 139

cipate in adult education shall be entitled to do
so in accordance with the Institute of Adult Education Act. Education for
refugees
Cap. 353
Cap. 139

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.289
THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
(2) A refugee shall be entitled to post primary education in
accordance with rules made by the Minister under subsection
(3) of this section. (3) The Minister in consultation with the Minister
responsible for education as regards secondary education
and in consultation with the Minister responsible for higher
education other than secondary education shall make
rules prescribing-
(a) fees;
(b) categories of schools, colleges or universities in which a
refugee student can be enrolled; and
(c) prescribing any matter that may need to be regulated
for purposes of better and effective implementation of
this section. [s. 31]
35.–(1) The Director may grant work permit to any refugee
who qualifies for the same. (2) The Director may revoke any work permit granted
under this section for any good course he deems appropriate
provided that, before revocation the Director shall give thirty
days notice of the intended revocation to the refugee and the
employer of the refugee.

provided that, before revocation the Director shall give thirty
days notice of the intended revocation to the refugee and the
employer of the refugee.

(3) The refugee and the employer affected by any permit
revocation under subsection (1) may make any presentation
to the Director in relation to the revocation within twenty-one
days upon receipt of such, the Director shall consider them
and make his decision for or against such revocation within
fourteen days. (4) The Minister in consultation with Ministry responsible
for labour, may make rules on the model or type of permits to
be issued under this Act, time limit of the permits and renewals,
the qualifications and procedures for applying for or renewing
the permits, and fees, their revocations or representation for
review thereof and any forms ensuing therefrom. (5) A refugee who works or engages himself in any activity
without permit, will be committing an offence under this Act,
and on conviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding two
Work permit for
refugees
Act No. 1 of 2015 s. 29

e committing an offence under this Act,
and on conviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding two
Work permit for
refugees
Act No. 1 of 2015 s. 29

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.290
THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
hundred thousand shillings or imprisonment for a period not
exceeding three years or to both. (6) The Director shall, on every 30th of June and 31st of
December of each year submit to the Labour Commissioner
a return on employment status of refugees in a manner
prescribed in the regulations. [s. 32]
36. An asylum seeker or refugee residing in the United
Republic shall be liable to pay any taxes according to the laws
of the country. [s. 33]
37.–(1) An asylum seeker or refugee shall have the right at any
time to return voluntarily to the country of his nationality or
from which he entered the United Republic and any action or
omission intended to prevent or restrict or which has the effect
of preventing or restricting any asylum seeker or refugee from
voluntary repatriation except in the due process of the law is
hereby prohibited.

ffect
of preventing or restricting any asylum seeker or refugee from
voluntary repatriation except in the due process of the law is
hereby prohibited.

(2) A refugee who leaves the United Republic on voluntary
repatriation or who ceases to be a refugee for any other cause
shall surrender all his travel documents, identity cards, permits
or any other documents which he acquired by virtue of being
a refugee and may take with him any movable property which
he lawfully owns provided he complies with any existing
procedures or laws covering property or the exportation of
such property. (3) A movable property or immovable property belonging
to any asylum seeker or refugee who leaves the country
permanently or on voluntary repatriation at the time of his
departure shall be left to be disposed off lawfully and be deemed
to be left under the safe custody and control of the Director
and the Government shall pay fair and adequate compensation
to the owner of the property prior to the time of his departure. (4) Where fair and adequate compensation has not been
paid to the refugee who owns such property within one year
Payment of taxes
Voluntary
repatriation

) Where fair and adequate compensation has not been
paid to the refugee who owns such property within one year
Payment of taxes
Voluntary
repatriation

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.291
THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
from the time the refugee leaves the United Republic such
property shall vest into the Refugee Trust whose trustees shall
be free to keep it as a refugee property in which case the Refugee
Trust shall pay the requisite fair and adequate compensation
to the refugee owner or his legal representatives or shall sell
it at the market price the proceeds of which after deduction
of its necessary costs shall pay it to the refugee owner or his
legal representatives. (5) A person who fails to comply with any provision of this
section commits an offence under this Act. [s.

refugee owner or his
legal representatives. (5) A person who fails to comply with any provision of this
section commits an offence under this Act. [s.

34]
38.–(1) A recognised refugee resident in the United Republic
who wishes to join or to be joined by any member of his family
outside or within the United Republic respectively shall make
application for a family re-union to the Minister through the
UNHCR or the Director who shall submit the application
to the Committee which shall recommend to the Minister
whether to allow the family re-union or not, provided that
such family re-union shall not take place before permission
is granted under this section, failure to abide to this provision
shall be an offence under this Act. (2) Any affected or aggrieved person by the decision of
the Minister refusing or granting family re-union may file a
petition for review to the Minister.

Any affected or aggrieved person by the decision of
the Minister refusing or granting family re-union may file a
petition for review to the Minister.

(3) Where there is disunity in the family of a refugee as
a result of divorce, separation, death, et cetera, any member
of that family may remain in the United Republic and shall
have to apply within a maximum period of two years from the
time of disunity of the family for the acquisition of the refugee
status on his own right or for a legalisation of the residence
in the United Republic under the Immigration Act, failure of
which shall be an offence under this Act:
Provided that, where application has been made, he can
remain in the United Republic until the final decision of the
application made. Family re-union
Cap. 54

that, where application has been made, he can
remain in the United Republic until the final decision of the
application made. Family re-union
Cap. 54

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.292
THE REFUGEES ACT [CAP. 37 R.E. 2023]
(4) For the purposes of this Act, members of a family
shall only include a husband or wife lawfully married and
their children who are below eighteen years of age and any
dependent as ascribed by the Immigration Act. [s. 35]
39.–(1) A refugee residing in the United Republic shall have
the right to resettle in any other country outside the United
Republic and may apply in writing to the Minister for the same
at any time. (2) A refugee residing outside the United Republic may
before entering the United Republic and through the UNHCR
or AU Refugee Bureau apply to the Minister for resettlement
into the United Republic and it is hereby provided that he
shall not be allowed to enter the United Republic until his
resettlement into the United Republic has been granted, the
disobedience of which shall be an offence under this Act.

er the United Republic until his
resettlement into the United Republic has been granted, the
disobedience of which shall be an offence under this Act.

(3) The Minister on receiving any application for
resettlement in the United Republic shall consider the
application and may submit it to the Committee which shall
make recommendations for his further consideration. [s. 36]
40.–(1) [Repeals the Refugees Control Act.]
(2) [Omitted.]
[s. 37]
Cap. 54
Resettlement
Repeal
Act No. 2 of 1966