ARUSHA, Tanzania, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania on Monday launched electronic visa and residence permit services for foreign nationals wishing to visit or live in Tanzania, aiming to enhance efficiency and boost security as well as revenue collection.
Speaking during the launch, Tanzania's Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa urged the beneficiaries of the new e-documents to abide by the laws of Tanzania and conditions of their visit or residence, according to a statement availed to the media yesterday.
"Electronic visas and residence permits launched on Monday are parts of efforts made by the government to ease access to the country with the view to promoting investment especially in the industrial sector," the Tanzanian premier said.
The e-immigration service started immediately after the launch, meaning all foreigners wishing to visit or reside in Tanzania can make such applications online from all corners of the globe.
E-documents brings an end to unnecessary bureaucracy and consequent delays that foreigners travelling to Tanzania grappled with before, Majaliwa said, adding that the new technology is also meant to enhance security in the country.
He said the decision to go electronic in the immigration department is in line with the government's policy to adopt information and communication technology in its operations which popularly known as e-government.
Majaliwa said the switch to e-immigration is also set to boost government revenue as all related fees will be paid by applicants electronically through government's e-payment system.
"I call upon all immigration officers and employees of the immigration department to take care of the new system and its infrastructure," the statement quoted the PM.
He said the introduction of the technology is part of the government's commitment to deliver services to both Tanzanian citizens as well as foreign nationals visiting the country.
