More than 162,000 Burundian refugees granted Tanzanian citizenship

The Ministry of Home Affairs has so far granted citizenship to 162,156 Burundi refugees out of 172,000 requests received in 2010.

Responding to Fakharia Khamis (Special Seat-CCM) question on the number of Burundi refugees granted Tanzania citizenship, the Deputy Minister for Water, Amos Makalla said 10,349 requests were rejected.

Answering on behalf of the Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Makalla said in 2007 a tripartite agreement was reached between UNHCR, Tanzania and Burundi government on how to handle 227,500 refugees at Katumba and Mishamo.

Under the agreement, the 227,500 Burundi refugees were given option to decide on their status whether to seek citizenship or return to their home countries.

He said 50,000 decided to go back to Burundi while 172,405 opted for Tanzanian citizenship. Mr Makalla said the new citizens are still at Katumba and Mishamo camps in Katavi region and Ulyankulu in Tabora region after a number of obstacles were faced in reallocating them to new settlements.

He said the decision to send them to new settlements in various parts on the country awaits cabinet approval. However, they are still enjoying the support and services from the UNHCR and other partners before resettlement decision is reached.