In Tanzania, forcibly displaced and stateless individuals often face significant challenges in having their identity documents recognized by private sector entities such as financial institutions, insurance companies, telecommunications providers, and employers. While the government issues certain identification documents to refugees and asylum seekers, the inconsistent recognition of these documents across various sectors hampers access to essential services and economic opportunities.​

The National Identification Authority (NIDA) is responsible for issuing national identification cards to Tanzanian citizens and eligible residents. However, refugees and stateless persons are typically not included in this system, leading to a reliance on alternative forms of identification. UNHCR has collaborated with NIDA to facilitate the issuance of identity documents for refugees, but challenges persist in ensuring widespread recognition and acceptance of these documents within the private sector. \

The lack of standardized identification documents for refugees and stateless individuals results in barriers to accessing services such as opening bank accounts, obtaining insurance, securing formal employment, and registering for mobile phone services. These challenges are exacerbated by stringent Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations that require officially recognized identification documents, which many forcibly displaced persons do not possess. ​