Dual citizenship in Tanzania and the Diaspora

Alternative point of views to framing the topic and associated arguments

 

I would like to provide alternative point of views about the way to frame the advantages of dual citizenship and hence contribute to the on-going narrative about the same.

First, I would like to make it clear that I support dual citizenship but the reasoning that have been put forward so far in support of it just do not make sense.  To my knowledge, the proponents of dual citizenship have put forward among others, two major points, in support of their position.  That a) It will facilitate investment in Tanzania and b) It will boost remittances of funds to Tanzania.  These reasons are very weak do not lend any credence to justify dual citizenship. I will explain, towards the ends of this memo, my reasons why those two arguments are weak and do not hold water and are not logical.

 But to begin with I see the following reasons to be not only stronger but and win-win for our country and will resonate with everyone who loves and care for our beloved Tanzania. 

Stronger points in support of dual citizenship:-

1)      It is a birth right for Tanzanian and their descendants hence it needs to be retained.

2)      It will allow those from Tanzania who want to and or have taken citizenship of their respective host countries to fully participate in public office (except presidential and or other selected executive branch posts).  The opportunity to take public office will allow for diversity of ideas, increased level of effort and creativity on the ground right in Tanzania to address development challenges for our country.  Merit based eligibility by those in the Diaspora to take public office includes working as technocrats in ministries, member of parliaments, Parastatals, various agencies, regulatory institutions, Regional and Districts posts. 

3)      It will allow Tanzanians who want to and or have taken citizenship of their respective host countries to participate in electoral process in Tanzania (voting).  One has to be a citizen to vote. The current wave of political party branches and movement in the diaspora will be effective and meaningful only when buttressed inclusiveness/broadening participation of Tanzanian abroad

Weak points in support of dual citizenship are:

1)      Remittances – An individual sends money to their relatives because of the bond that exist between them and relatives. Dual citizenship will never increase that bond. So I do not see how remittances to their relative will be increased by granting dual citizenship.  Remittances back home might be increased by Diaspora higher wages which correlates to higher savings. Higher earnings are derived from better career and education so I encourage Tanzanian living abroad to be strategic and create more medical doctors, lawyers, engineers and entrepreneurs in the Diaspora.    

2)      Investments – Individuals invest back home because they have project ideas and access to finance.  Those already in the Diaspora should be capable of generating ideas for and seizing opportunities presumably they know Tanzania quite well (they have first had knowledge) including having relatives and networks to collaborate/partner with. I am not aware of any policy in Tanzania that favors those with dual citizenship.  Ideas and access to finance from respective host countries can’t be enhanced by granting additional citizenship. 

Legal status in their host countries e.g. green card or other forms of residence permit and credit worthiness will increase Diaspora ability to access cheap capital from abroad in order to invest in Tanzania.  Dual citizenship is not a factor whatsoever in increasing the rate of investment.   We all see how foreigners from other countries make investment into Tanzania left right and center.  There is nothing that prevents them, they come, learn about the country, get ideas, bring capital from wherever, probably create relationship/partnerships and launch projects/businesses

                Advice to Tanzanian in the Diaspora:-

It is high time Tanzanian in the Diaspora get strategic in what they do where ever they are abroad.  They should invest their time and energy in high paying careers (potentially by educating themselves and their children), find ways to increase their savings and actually become a power to reckon with for Tanzania.  Lets them emulate our colleagues from Kenya, Senegal, Ghana that I have known in the UK, America and elsewhere who always look for ways to exploit opportunities abroad to make life better for themselves and in turn the spillover of their success is shown by how much they invest in or send money to their respective countries.

Tanzania in Diaspora should be more than a market/customers for products and services offerings by banks and institutions from Tanzania. Tanzanian in the Diaspora should have something better to offer to their mother land to the extent of being recognized here in Tanzania.  It is therefore important that Diaspora improve on the ways it organizes itself by thinking differently.

Thank you

The author of this memo can be reached via email:  masalakulangwamtanganyika@gmail.com