Date of publication:

08/21/2025

United Republic of Tanzania (the)

Do domestic laws and policies require that the grounds for refusing an application for family reunification be specified?  

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

Refugees
Asylum-seekers
Analysis

Tanzania’s domestic laws governing family reunification for refugees, as outlined in the Refugees Act of 1998, establish procedures for refugees to apply for the reunification of family members. These procedures allow refugees to request the inclusion of their separated family members under the protection framework. In practice, refugees can submit applications for family reunification, and these are reviewed by the relevant authorities, typically in coordination with international agencies like the UNHCR.

However, the legal framework does not explicitly require authorities to specify the grounds for refusing family reunification applications. In practice, this means that while refugees can apply to reunite with their family members, they may not always be informed of the reasons if their application is rejected. The lack of clear legal requirements to provide detailed reasons for refusal can create a level of uncertainty for refugees, as they may not fully understand why their family reunification request has been denied or how to address potential issues in their application.

While the general procedures for family reunification are outlined, the absence of explicit provisions requiring the authorities to state grounds for refusal may affect transparency and the ability of refugees to appeal decisions or seek further assistance. This can impact the overall effectiveness and fairness of the family reunification process.

    LAW & POLICY

    Related provisions of domestic law or policy

    The Refugee Act

    Legal provision

    Section 35.3 - Family Re-union

    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 Tanzania and shall have to apply within a maximum period of 2 years from the time of disunity of the family for the acquisition of the refugee status on his own right or for a legalization of the residence in Tanzania under the Immigration Act, 1995, failure of which shall be an offence under this Act provided that where such application has been made he can remain in Tanzania until the final decision of the application is made.

    Section 35.4 - Family Re-union

    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 18 years of age and any dependent as ascribed by the Immigration Act, 1995.

    Section 35.1 - Family Re-union

    A recognised refugee resident in Tanzania who wishes to join or to be joined by any member of his family outside or within Tanzania respectively shall make application for 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.

    Section 35.2 - Family Re-union

    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.