The new work permit requirements for foreign nationals in Tanzania is causing unease in the region, with the East African Business Council (EABC) calling on Dar to reconsider measures, which are contrary to the EAC common market protocol - which allows for free movement of people, goods and services in the bloc.
A government notice indicated that all foreigners wishing to work in the country would be required to obtain separate work and residence permits.
Work permits for those employed in Tanzania under Class B (a person who has been offered a specific job by a specific employer and he or she has the required qualifications and experience) will now cost an additional R16 462 over the usual R33 748.
Those with dependants will pay an extra R8 231 to obtain the dependant pass.
The new requirement does not differentiate between EAC nationals and citizens of countries outside the region.
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The East African reports that work permit fees in Tanzania range between the equivalent of R32 935 and R49 388 – compared to Burundi, where it ranges from R988 to R1 383; Uganda, which charges R4 115 per year for work permits for missionaries, volunteers and R24 694 for businessmen and consultants; and Kenya, which charges R32 530 for foreign workers.
