Mozambique’s government is in negotiations with Tanzanian authorities to secure recognition of dual nationality for Mozambican citizens residing in that country, in an effort to preserve their legal and family ties with their home country.

The initiative was disclosed by Maria de Fátima Manso, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and the Mozambican Community Abroad, during a meeting with the Mozambican community in Dar es Salaam. The meeting took place during an official working visit she conducted to Tanzania between 31 October and 2 November, according to reports published on Monday by the Lusa news agency.

On the occasion, Manso explained that recognition of dual nationality is contingent on authorisation from Tanzanian authorities, and that the Mozambican government is therefore pursuing diplomatic contacts to find a solution that addresses the concerns of citizens living there. “We need to reach an understanding with those who will grant us that authorisation, which is the local government,” she said, as quoted by the press, referring to the ongoing negotiations.

Manso assured that Mozambique will continue to press for an agreement with Tanzania that would allow Mozambican citizens to preserve their nationality ties and maintain their connection to their country of origin.

She also stressed the need to strengthen the organisational capacity of the Mozambican community resident in Tanzania, arguing that identifying citizens interested in dual nationality would help the relevant authorities to better monitor the process.

To that end, she called on community leaders to work in coordination with the Mozambican High Commission in Tanzania to carry out a survey of the number of interested citizens and the documentation required for dual nationality recognition. “So that we are better organised and can reach a greater number of citizens, our leaders, in coordination with the High Commission, will conduct a survey,” she explained.

The Secretary of State also emphasised the importance of preserving family and cultural ties with Mozambique, arguing that the connection to the home country should be passed on to new generations regardless of where citizens live. “I am Mozambican. My child is Mozambican, my child’s child is Mozambican. We will not sever this bond that we have in our family,” she declared.

Manso further underscored the importance of community organisation and the strengthening of associations of Mozambicans abroad, noting that such structures can facilitate communication with diplomatic representations and help identify the main needs of citizens. Recognition of dual nationality remains contingent on an agreement between the governments of Mozambique and Tanzania, and no timeline has been announced for the conclusion of negotiations or for any eventual accord to enter into force.