Naturalisation and Resettlement of Refugees in Post-colonial Western Tanzania, 1960s–2023

This paper examines the naturalisation and resettlement of refugees as well as obstacles to their further integration into local communities in western Tanzania from 1960s to 2023. Based on the data collected from archives, interviews, and secondary documentary reviews, the paper establishes that delays in completing the application process, policy shifts, conditions which are set for the naturalisation and relocation of refugees and lack of clear information concerning the progress of the processes limited the process of naturalisation and resettlement of refugees in western Tanzania. The paper recommends that to avoid uncertainty concerning naturalisation and resettlement of refugees, arrangements made by all stakeholders should be adhered to in time and refugees should be enlightened with all information required for their naturalisation and resettlement. This paper concludes that refugees’ naturalisation and resettlement processes are not theatric but honest and beneficial to those who succeed besides the challenges which have been encountered.