Foreign nationals pay fines to avoid jail for illegal work

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Five foreign nationals were required to pay fines totaling 52.5 million shillings (about US$23,500) to avoid jail after they were convicted of having worked illegally and overstaying in the country.

Key Points:

• The foreign nationals in question (two graphic designers, a marketing officer, an accountant and a project manager) worked for an advertising and media company.
• Each was required to pay a fine of 10 million shillings to avoid one-year jail terms for working illegally in Tanzania and a fine of 500,000 shillings to avoid three years in jail after being found guilty of being in Tanzania unlawfully.

BAL Analysis: The cases show that Tanzania is growing increasingly serious about prosecuting unlawful work activities. Companies with employees who conduct illegal work activities or overstay their work permits or visas face not only fines, but may also be held financially liable in cases where workers are injured or become sick. Companies are urged to review the status of foreign employees in Tanzania and determine whether they are conducting activities that are permitted on the permits or visas they hold.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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