Tanzania’s domestic laws do prohibit the penalization of refugees and asylum-seekers for irregular entry or unlawful presence, provided they present themselves to authorities without delay and show good cause for their entry. This aligns with Article 31 of the 1951 Refugee Convention, which protects refugees from penalties for unlawful entry or stay if they come directly from a territory where their life or freedom was threatened and they promptly present themselves to authorities.

The Refugees Act No. 9 of 1998 includes a specific provision that shields asylum-seekers from prosecution for illegal entry or stay under the Immigration Act, as long as they seek asylum without undue delay. This is a critical safeguard, particularly in regions like East Africa where refugees often flee without proper documentation or through unofficial border crossings.

In practice, however, the application of this provision can be inconsistent. Refugees and asylum-seekers—particularly those outside designated camps or who delay in seeking asylum—may be subject to arrest, detention, or deportation under immigration laws. Additionally, law enforcement officers may lack adequate training on refugee protection principles, leading to the criminalization of individuals who should be protected under refugee law.