Date of publication:

01/08/2026

United Republic of Tanzania (the)

Do domestic laws and policies provide forcibly displaced and stateless persons the right to move freely within the country?

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

Refugees
Asylum-seekers
Analysis

Tanzania has a longstanding history of hosting refugees, primarily from neighboring countries such as Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, the country's policies have evolved over time, particularly concerning the freedom of movement for forcibly displaced and stateless individuals lawfully residing within its borders. The Tanzanian government enforces a strict encampment policy, mandating that refugees reside in designated camps located predominantly in the northwestern regions. These camps, including Mtendeli, Nduta, and Nyarugusu, are situated in remote areas, limiting refugees' interactions with local communities and access to broader economic opportunities. Refugees are generally prohibited from leaving these camps without explicit authorization from the government. Such restrictions are intended to manage refugee populations and address security concerns but have been criticized for limiting refugees' autonomy and access to essential services. Violations of these movement restrictions can result in legal penalties, including fines and imprisonment. ​

    LAW & POLICY

    Related provisions of domestic law or policy

    The Refugee Act

    Legal provision

    Section 18.4 - Control of designated area

    The Director or a settlement officer may inquire into any disciplinary offence and if he finds that an asylum seeker or a refugee has been guilty of such disciplinary offence may punish 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 thousands shillings.

    Section 17.3 - Requirement to reside in a designated area

    Any asylum seeker or refugee to whom an order made under this section applies who- (a)fails to comply with such order; or (b)fails to move to or take up resident 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, shall be guilty of an offence against this Act.

    Section 17.5 - Requirement to reside in a designated area

    (a)No asylum seeker or refugee shall be allowed to leave a designated area as directed under this section unless he has sought and obtained a permit from Director or Settlement Officer as the case may be, and, subject to such terms and conditions as the Director or a Settlement Officer may prescribe in the permit. (b)No asylum seeker or refugee may 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 a refugee may stay outside the designated area.

    Section 17.6 - Requirement to reside in a designated area

    Any 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 shall be guilty of an offence against this Act.

    Section 17.2.Requirement to reside in a designated area

    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.

    Section 16 - Designated Area

    The Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, declare any area or place in Tanzania to be a designated area for the purposes of accommodating asylum seekers or refugees.

    Section 17.1 - Requirement to Reside in a Designated Area

    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.