Dodoma, 18 December 2021 – IOM – the UN Migration Agency – in collaboration with the Tanzania Immigration Services Department and the Ministry of Home Affairs of the United Republic of Tanzania celebrated International Migrants Day on 18 December 2021 at Nyerere Square Grounds in Dodoma. The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Home Affairs of the United Republic of Tanzania, the Commissioner of Immigration of Zanzibar, Regional Security Committee Members, the District Commissioner, retired Commissioners of Immigration, religious leaders in Dodoma, Officers the Tanzania Immigration Services Department, IOM, and community members of the city of Dodoma . 
 
The event was preceded by showcasing of the activities and services offered by the Tanzania Immigration Services Department; Immigration Officers and IOM raised awareness among the community about the work done around the world to support migrants and member states. The awareness raising lasted from 15 December to 17 December 2021 at Nyerere Square grounds.
 
This year theme was: ‘Harnessing The Potential Of Human Mobility.’ In his speech Mr Nyararai Kwenda, the IOM Head of Sub Office in Kasulu – who was presenting the IOM Chief of Mission – emphasized the importance of this year’s message which calls for all nations to harness the potential of human mobility. Kwenda said that this can be done through making use of the skills, knowledge and network that migrants bring to countries and economies. Kwenda emphasized that “this future can be shaped through impactful decisions to address the challenges to, and opportunities presented by global mobility, and people on the move, to the global social and economic landscape.” Kwenda also touched the key statistics regarding migrants globally, from the millions at risk and the millions that have lost lives in the process of migrating, to the financial contribution that migrants have made to the countries they have migrated to and to the families they left back home.  
 
Mr. Kwenda Nyararai pledged the continued support of IOM Tanzania to the government of the United Republic of Tanzania in assisting migrants and ensuring that the United Republic of Tanzania upholds the principles of safe and orderly migration. His speech also recognized the role the United Republic of Tanzania has played over the years in hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees from neighbouring countries. Kwenda emphasized that even though some regions are more affected than others, but no nation is spared the risks of displacement or having to burden the responsibility to manage displacement.   
 
During his  speech, Commissioner of Immigration of Zanzibar, Johari Sururu said that this year’s theme calls on countries, stakeholders, and immigration departments all over the world to Harness the Potential of Human Mobility. Sururu reiterated that the his Department oversees the legal entrance, residence and exit of people in the country and informed the public about the achievement of Immigration Services Department in creating the “Seasonal Migrant Pass” which will assist seasonal migrant farm workers who come from neighbouring countries. 
 
The Guest of Honour, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Khamis Hamza Chilo, recognized the efforts of the Immigration Services Department and stakeholders working in protecting the rights of migrants in the United Republic of Tanzania.  Deputy Minister Chilo recognized the collaboration of the government and IOM in various programmes such as facilitating voluntary return and reintegration of stranded migrants. He emphasized that the Ministry of Home Affairs through the Immigration Services Department has been celebrating International Migrants Day and creating public awareness on migration and all of its facets. Deputy Minister Chilo urged Tanzanians living in foreign countries to migrate in a safe, orderly and regular manner, as well was to contribute to their country of origin. Deputy Minister Chilo also urged the Depatment to continue patrols and operations countering the smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons. Deputy Minister Chilo recognized the Department’s adoption of technology in the provision of its services, making it an easy process to accommodate migrants and those in need of different services form the Immigration Services Department. 
 
For more information please contact IOM Tanzania, Valda M Chali, Tel: +255 753 589039, Email: vchali@iom.int