The Anti-Trafficking in persons Act
This section gives the Act its short title: the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
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About this statute
This section gives the Act its short title: the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. This Act applies in Mainland Tanzania and Tanzania Zanzibar. This section defines key terms used in the Act, including abduction, authorised officer, child, exploitation, forced labour and slavery, and victim of trafficking in persons. A person commits trafficking in persons by recruiting, transporting, harboring, receiving, or related acts for exploitation purposes, and conviction can lead to 20 to 30 years’ imprisonment and possibly a fine. A person who promotes, procures, or facilitates trafficking in persons commits an offence, punishable on conviction by imprisonment and possibly a fine.
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Provisions of The Anti-Trafficking in persons Act
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- 1 Verify source ↗
Short title
AI-assisted research summary: This section gives the Act its short title: the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
1.–(1) This Act may be cited as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. (2) [Omitted]. Application - 2 Verify source ↗
Application
AI-assisted research summary: This Act applies in Mainland Tanzania and Tanzania Zanzibar.
2. This Act shall apply to Mainland Tanzania as well as to Tanzania Zanzibar. Interpretation Acts Nos. 1 of 2013 s. 6 9 of 2021 s. 4 - 3 Verify source ↗
Interpretation
AI-assisted research summary: This section defines key terms used in the Act, including abduction, authorised officer, child, exploitation, forced labour and slavery, and victim of trafficking in persons.
3. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires- “abduction” in relation to offences relating to trafficking in persons, means to compel or induce a person to move from one place to another; “authorised officer” means an immigration officer, a police officer or any other public officer exercising the powers of law enforcement agency; “basic material support” includes education, health care, clothing, shelter, counseling and nutritional requirements; “bonded placement” means placement by a trafficker of a person for exploitative purposes with a promise of subsequent payment to the trafficker by the user of the trafficked person; “care and protection” shall have the same meaning as basic material support; 110 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT [CAP. 432 R.E. 2023] “court” means the High Court, Court of Resident Magistrate or District Court in the case of Mainland Tanzania or the High Court or the Regional Court in the case of Tanzania Zanzibar; “child” means a person below the age of eighteen years; “debt bondage” means the pledging by the debtor of his personal services or labour or those of a person under his control as security or payment for a debt, where the length and nature of services is not clearly defined or the values of the services as reasonably assessed is not applied toward the liquidation of the debt; “disabled person” means a person who is unable to fully take care of, or protect himself from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation or discrimination because of a physical or mental disability; “exploitation” includes- (a) keeping a person in a state of slavery; (b) subjecting a person to practices similar to slavery; (c) involuntary servitude; (d) forcible or fraudulent use of any human being for removal of organs or body parts; (e) forcible or fraudulent use of any human being to take part in armed conflict; (f) forced labour; (g) sexual exploitation; (h) forced marriage; or (i) forced begging; “forced labour and slavery” means the extraction of work or services from any person by means of enticement, violence, intimidation or threat, use of force or coercion, including deprivation of freedom, abuse of authority or moral ascendancy, debt-bondage or deception; “foreign authority” means a person designated by a foreign government as competent authority to act on behalf of a foreign government for purposes of this Act; 111 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT [CAP. 432 R.E. 2023] “Government” means an authority by which the executive authority of the United Republic is exercised; “injury” includes physical, emotional and psychological hurt; “Minister” means the Minister responsible for home affairs; “NGO” shall have a meaning ascribed to it under the Cap. 56 Non-Government Organisations Act; “organs” include any part of the human body which can be removed and used to sustain life or for any purpose; “place of safety” means premises where the welfare of a victim of trafficking is assured; “placement as service” means the placement of a person by a trafficker for exploitative purposes where the service of that person is not remunerated; “police officer” includes an officer from another security service; “pornography” refers exhibition, to any representation, through indecent publication, show, information technology or by whatever means, of a person engaged in real or simulated explicit sexual activities or any representation of the sexual parts of a person for primarily sexual purposes; cinematography, “prostitution” means transaction, scheme or design involving the use of a person by another for sexual inter course or lascivious conduct in exchange for money, profit or any other consideration; “security services” includes the police, Tanzania Revenue Authority, immigration, Anti-Trafficking in Persons Secretariat, Ministry responsible for social welfare, Ministry responsible for labour and employment, local government authority and the Tanzania Intelligence and Security Services; “social welfare officer” means a social welfare officer in the service of the Government; “temporary placement” means the transfer of a trafficked person for a limited period for exploitative purposes; 112 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT [CAP. 432 R.E. 2023] “sex tourism” means- (a) program organised by travel or tourism related establishment or an individual, which consists of tourism packages or activities, utilising and offering escort and sexual services as enticement for tourists; (b) sexual services or practices offered during rest or recreation periods for members of the military; “sexual exploitation” means participation by a person in prostitution or the production of pornographic materials as a result of being subjected to a threat, deception, coercion, abduction, force, abuse of authority, debt bondage, fraud or through abuse of a victim’s vulnerability; and “victim of trafficking in persons” means a person against whom an act of trafficking under section 4 has been committed. PART II PROHIBITION OF TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
Part
PART II
- 4 Verify source ↗
Acts of trafficking in persons
AI-assisted research summary: A person commits trafficking in persons by recruiting, transporting, harboring, receiving, or related acts for exploitation purposes, and conviction can lead to 20 to 30 years’ imprisonment and possibly a fine.
4.–(1) A person commits an offence of trafficking in person if that person- for (a) recruits, transports, transfers, harbours, provides or receives a person by any means, including those done under the pretext of domestic or overseas employment, training or apprenticeship, the purpose of prostitution, pornography, sexual exploitation, forced labour, slavery, involuntary servitude or debt bondage; (b) introduces or matches a person to a foreign national for marriage for the purpose of acquiring, buying, offering, selling or trading the person in order that person be engaged in prostitution, pornography, sexual exploitation, forced labour, slavery, involuntary servitude or debt bondage; 113 Acts of trafficking in persons Act No. 7 of 2022 s. 4 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT [CAP. 432 R.E. 2023] (c) offers or contracts marriage, real or simulated, for the purpose of acquiring, buying, offering, selling or trading a person in order that person be engaged in prostitution, pornography, sexual exploitation, forced labour or slavery, involuntary servitude or debt bondage; (d) undertakes or organises sex tourism or sexual exploitation; (e) maintains or hires a person to engage in prostitution or pornography; (f) adopts or facilitates the adoption of persons for the purpose of prostitution, pornography, sexual exploitation, forced-labour and slavery, involuntary servitude or debt bondage; (g) recruits, hires, adopts, transports or abducts- (i) a person, by means of threat or use of force, fraud, deceit, violence, coercion or intimidation for the purpose of removal or sale of organs of the person; or (ii) a child or a disabled person for purposes of engaging the child or the disabled person in armed activities. (2) Trafficking in persons shall also be constituted upon placement for sale, bonded placement, temporary placement or placement as service where exploitation by some other person is the motive. (3) Where a victim of trafficking in persons is a child, consent of the child, parent or guardian of the child shall not be used as a defence in prosecution under this Act regardless of whether there is evidence of abuse of power, fraud, deception or that the vulnerability of the child was taken advantage of. (4) A consent of a victim of trafficking in persons shall be immaterial where any of the means referred to under subsection (1) has been used against the victim. 114 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT [CAP. 432 R.E. 2023] Acts that promote or facilitate trafficking in persons Act No. 7 of 2022 s. 5 (5) A person who commits any of the offences or acts specified under this section, on conviction, shall be liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than twenty years but not exceeding thirty years provided that, the court may, in addition to imprisonment, order the convicted person to pay a fine of not less than fifty million shillings but not more than one hundred million shillings or to both. - 5 Verify source ↗
Acts that promote or facilitate trafficking in persons
AI-assisted research summary: A person who promotes, procures, or facilitates trafficking in persons commits an offence, punishable on conviction by imprisonment and possibly a fine.
5.–(1) A person who promotes, procures or facilitates the commission of trafficking in persons commits an offence. (2) A person promotes, procures or facilitates the commission of trafficking in persons if that person- (a) knowingly leases or subleases, uses or allows to be used any house, building or establishment for purposes of trafficking in persons; (b) produces, prints, issues or distributes unissued, tampered or fake certificates, registration or stickers of any government agency which issues the certificates, registration or stickers as proof of compliance with government requirements for promoting trafficking in persons; (c) advertises, publishes, prints, broadcasts or distributes, or causes the advertisement, publication, printing, broadcasting or distribution by any means, including the use of information technology or any brochure, flyer or any propaganda material that promotes trafficking in persons; (d) assists in the conduct of misrepresentation or fraud for purposes of procuring or facilitating the acquisition of clearances and necessary exit documents from government agencies for the purposes of trafficking in persons; (e) facilitates or assists in the exit and entry from or to the United Republic a person who is in possession of unissued, tampered or fraudulent traveling documents for purpose of trafficking in persons; 115 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT [CAP. 432 R.E. 2023] (f) confiscates, conceals or destroys the passport, traveling documents or personal documents which belongs to a trafficked person in furtherance of trafficking in persons; (g) prevents a trafficking person from leaving the United Republic or seeking redress from the Government or appropriate authorities; or (h) knowingly benefits from, financial or otherwise, or makes use of, the labour or services of a person held under a condition of involuntary servitude, forced labour or slavery. (3) A person who commits an offence under this section shall, on conviction, be liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than five years but not exceeding ten years provided that, the court may, in addition to imprisonment, order the convicted person to pay a fine of not less than ten million shillings but not exceeding fifty million shillings or to both. Severe trafficking in persons Acts Nos. 9 of 2021 s. 5 7 of 2022 s. 6 - 6 Verify source ↗
Severe trafficking in persons
AI-assisted research summary: This section treats certain trafficking situations as severe trafficking in persons and sets penalties for offenders.
6.–(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, certain acts or circumstances shall be considered as severe trafficking in persons. (2) Severe trafficking in persons shall be considered to exist where- (a) the trafficked person is a child or a disabled person; (b) the adoption is effected for the purpose of prostitution, pornography, sexual exploitation, forced labour and slavery, involuntary servitude or debt bondage; (c) the crime is committed by a syndicate or in large scale; (d) the offender is an ascendant, parent, sibling, guardian or a person who exercises authority over the trafficked person; (e) the offence is committed by a public officer, an employee or a religious leader; (f) the trafficked person is recruited to engage in prostitution with any member of the military or law enforcement agencies; 116 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT [CAP. 432 R.E. 2023] (g) the offender is a member of the military or law enforcement agencies; and (h) by reason or on occasion of the act of trafficking in persons, the trafficked person dies, becomes insane, suffers mutilation or is infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Sexual Transmitted Diseases (STDs), communicable diseases or other diseases. (3) For purposes of subsection (2)(c), trafficking in persons is deemed to be committed by a syndicate where it is- (a) carried out by a group of two or more persons; or (b) committed against two or more persons, individually or as a group. (4) A person who commits an offence under this section, on conviction, shall be liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than thirty years provided that, the court may, in addition to imprisonment, order the convicted person to pay a fine of not less than fifty million shillings but not exceeding three hundred million shillings or to both. (5) Notwithstanding the provisions of any written law to the contrary, an offence under this section shall be tried in the High Court. - 7 Verify source ↗
Trafficking in persons by intermediary
AI-assisted research summary: A person who acts as an intermediary for trafficking in persons commits an offence and may be imprisoned for 10 to 20 years; the court may also impose a fine of 50 million to 200 million shillings or both.
7.–(1) A person who acts as an intermediary for the purpose of trafficking in persons commits an offence. (2) For the purpose of this section- (a) “an intermediary” means a person who knowingly participates in or is concerned with any aspect of trafficking in persons under this Act; and (b) “to be concerned with” means to- (i) submit or to take a person to a process of trafficking in persons; (ii) give a consent for a person to be trafficked; (iii) receive at any place a person for the purpose of making that person be a subject of trafficking in persons; or 117 Trafficking in persons by intermediary Act No. 7 of 2022 s. 7 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT [CAP. 432 R.E. 2023] (iv) enter into agreement whether oral or written for the purpose of trafficking in persons or to subject a person into trafficking in persons. (3) A person who commits an offence under this section, on conviction, shall be liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than ten years but not exceeding twenty years provided that the court may, in addition to imprisonment, order the convicted person to pay a fine not less than fifty million shillings but not exceeding two hundred million shillings or to both. - 8 Verify source ↗
Use of trafficked persons
AI-assisted research summary: A person who buys or uses the services of trafficked persons for prostitution commits an offence.
8. A person who buys or engages the services of trafficked persons for prostitution commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine of not less than one million shillings but not more than thirty million shillings or to imprisonment for a term of not less than twelve months but not more than seven years or to both. Use of trafficked persons Attempt to commit offence Acts Nos. 9 of 2021 s. 6 7 of 2022 s. 8 - 9 Verify source ↗
Attempt to commit offence
AI-assisted research summary: A person who tries to commit an offence under this Part can be punished on conviction.
9. A person who attempts to commit an offence under this Part, on conviction, shall be liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than five years but not exceeding ten years provided that, the court may, in addition to imprisonment, order the convicted person to pay a fine of not less than five million shillings but not exceeding fifteen million shillings or to both. [s. 8A] Confidentiality Act No. 9 of 2021 s. 7 PART III INVESTIGATIONS AND JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS
Part
PART III
- 10 Verify source ↗
Confidentiality
AI-assisted research summary: Certain people involved in trafficking cases must protect privacy, and the court may hear the case in camera.
10.–(1) The private life and identity of victims of trafficking in persons shall be secured and protected. (2) The law enforcement organs, judges, court personnel and medical practitioners, as well as parties to the case shall, at any stage of investigation and trial of an offence under this Act, recognise the right to privacy of the trafficked person and the accused. 118 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT [CAP. 432 R.E. 2023] (3) The court before which the complaint has been referred may, after considering all circumstances for the best interest of the parties, order the proceedings to be held in camera. (4) The name and personal particulars of the trafficked person or any other information regarding the trafficked person shall not be disclosed to the public. (5) Where prosecution is conducted in camera, it shall be unlawful for- (a) an editor, publisher, reporter or columnist; (b) announcer or producer; (c) producer or director of a film; or (d) any person utilising tri-media facilities or information technology, to cause publicity of that prosecution. (6) A person who contravenes the provisions of this section commits an offence. [s. 9] Reporting of offences Act No. 9 of 2021 s. 8 - 11 Verify source ↗
Reporting of offences
AI-assisted research summary: People who know about trafficking in persons must report it immediately to police or local security services; if told to someone other than police, that person must pass it to the nearest police station.
11.–(1) A person who possesses information about any person committing an offence of trafficking in persons shall immediately report the offence to the police officer or any person in the security services within the locality. (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence. (3) Where the information under subsection (1) is reported to a person other than a police officer, such person shall convey the information to the nearest police station. [s. 10] Interrogation by police officer - 12 Verify source ↗
13. Arrest by police officer
AI-assisted research summary: Police officers must question alleged traffickers and record the information, and must help trafficking victims with treatment, safety, and information about their rights and available support.
12.–(1) Where a police officer receives a report pursuant to section 11, that officer shall- (a) interrogate the persons alleged to be in commission of the offence of trafficking in persons; and (b) record the information in detail. 119 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT [CAP. 432 R.E. 2023] Arrest by police officer Act No. 9 of 2021 s. 9 (2) A police officer who comes by a victim of trafficking in person shall be under the general duty to- (a) assist the victim to obtain medical and psychological treatment, where it is necessary; (b) assist the victim to a place of safety if the victim expresses concern about safety; and (c) inform the victim of his rights and any basic support which may be available to assist the victim. [s. 11] - 13 Verify source ↗
Arrest by police officer
AI-assisted research summary: Police officers generally cannot arrest without a warrant, but they may do so for trafficking in persons in stated urgent circumstances. If another security service officer makes an arrest under the Act, the person must be handed to the nearest police station immediately.
13.–(1) A police officer shall not arrest a person for any offence under this Act without a warrant. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), a police officer may arrest a person for trafficking in persons without a warrant where- (a) an act of trafficking in persons is committed in the presence of that police officer; (b) the police officer is obstructed by the suspect from conducting investigation; and (c) a person is about to commit an offence of trafficking in persons and there is no other way to prevent the commission of the offence. (3) Where an arrest under this Act is carried out by an officer from another security service, such officer shall immediately hand over the arrested person to the nearest police station. [s. 12] Commission of second and subsequent offences Act No. 7 of 2022 s. 9 - 14 Verify source ↗
Commission of second and subsequent offences
AI-assisted research summary: The court may fine a person convicted of a second or subsequent offence under this Act.
14. The court may, in addition to specific penalties stipulated in various provisions under this Act, impose a fine of not less than one hundred million shillings but not exceeding two hundred million shillings for a person who is convicted for a second or subsequent offence under this Act. [s. 13] 120 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT [CAP. 432 R.E. 2023] Confiscation and forfeiture of proceeds and instruments derived from trafficking in persons Act No. 4 of 2016 s. 6 Compensation - 15 Verify source ↗
Confiscation and forfeiture of proceeds and instruments derived
AI-assisted research summary: A court may order confiscation and forfeiture of trafficking-related proceeds and items to the Government, and the offender may have to pay the value if the assets were destroyed or hidden.
15.–(1) In addition to the penalty imposed for the commission of an offence under this Act, the court may on its own motion or on application by the Attorney General, order confiscation and forfeiture to the Government of- (a) all proceeds and properties derived from the commission of the offence of trafficking in person; or (b) anything used for purposes of committing or facilitating the commission of the offence of trafficking in person. (2) All awards for damages shall be taken from the personal and separate properties of the accused person except where such properties are insufficient, in which case the balance shall be made good from the proceeds of the confiscated and forfeited properties. (3) Where the proceeds, properties and instruments in respect of which the offence of trafficking in persons was committed are destroyed, diminished in value or otherwise rendered worthless by any act or omission, directly or indirectly, of the offender, or it has been concealed, removed, converted or transferred to prevent the same from being found or to avoid forfeiture or confiscation, the offender shall be ordered to pay the amount equal to the value of the proceeds, property or instruments of the offence. [s. 14] - 16 Verify source ↗
Compensation
AI-assisted research summary: A court must order compensation to be paid to the victim or injured person in certain trafficking-in-persons cases.
16.–(1) A person convicted of the offence of trafficking in persons under this Act shall be ordered by the court to pay compensation to the victim of the trafficking in persons. (2) A person who causes injury to any person in pursuant of trafficking in persons under this Act shall be ordered to pay compensation to the injured person. (3) The payment of compensation shall be in addition to any other punishment. [s. 15] 121 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT [CAP. 432 R.E. 2023] Identification of victims - 17 Verify source ↗
Identification of victims
AI-assisted research summary: An authorised officer, or another person with reasonable grounds to believe someone is a victim of trafficking in persons, must carry out victim identification.
17. Identification of victims of trafficking in persons shall be carried out by an authorised officer or any other person that have reasonable grounds to believe that a person is a victim of trafficking in persons. [s. 16] Rescue, care, rehabilitation and counseling of trafficked persons PART IV RESCUE, REHABILITATION, PROTECTION AND ASSISTANCE TO VICTIMS
Part
PART IV
- 18 Verify source ↗
Rescue, care, rehabilitation and counseling of trafficked persons
AI-assisted research summary: This section assigns rescue, support, rehabilitation, and counseling duties for trafficked persons.
18.–(1) The public officers in the security services shall be responsible for the rescue of a trafficked person and provision of temporary basic material support for the care and protection of a rescued victim of trafficking in persons. (2) Social rehabilitation of rescued victims shall be carried out by social welfare officers for the purpose of re-instating the victim back into normal way of life and may include provision of legal assistance and material assistance, psychological, medical and professional rehabilitation, employment and a dwelling place. (3) The Commissioner for Social Welfare shall provide counseling services to the victims of trafficking in persons with a view to assisting in the rehabilitation and re-integration of such persons. (4) Without prejudice to the preceding provisions of this section, the best interest of the child or disabled person shall be paramount in any assistance given to rescue, rehabilitate, counsel or re-integrate a child who is a victim of trafficking in persons. [s. 17] Protection and assistance to victims - 19 Verify source ↗
Protection and assistance to victims
AI-assisted research summary: The Minister must work with the Minister responsible for social welfare to provide protection, rehabilitation, and assistance to rescued victims.
19.–(1) The Minister shall, in cooperation with the Minister responsible for social welfare, take adequate measures for protection, rehabilitation and assistance to rescued victims. 122 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT [CAP. 432 R.E. 2023] (2) Protection and assistance services offered pursuant to subsection (1), shall not be conditioned upon willingness of rescued victims to make statements and to participate in the prosecution of perpetrators of the trafficking in persons. (3) Protection, rehabilitation, assistance and other services to rescued victims shall be offered subject to availability of resources and may include but not limited to- (a) free interpreting services in the language of their choice; (b) free legal counsel in relation to trafficking issues; (c) temporary safe housing, psychological, medical and social welfare as may be necessary to provide for the needs; and (d) such other services as may be specified in the administrative direction. [s. 18] - 20 Verify source ↗
Assistance and protection to child victims
AI-assisted research summary: The Government must provide protection, rehabilitation, and assistance to child or disabled victims of trafficking in persons, starting when there are grounds to believe they are victims and continuing until identification, integration, and complete recovery are achieved.
20.–(1) The Government shall secure the protection, rehabilitation and assistance to a victim of trafficking in persons who is a child or a disabled person from the moment when grounds exist to believe that the child or the disabled person is such a victim until identification, integration and complete recovery of the child is procured. (2) Where the age of the victim is not known but there are reasons to believe that the victim has not yet reached eighteen years, it shall be presumed that the victim is a child until final verification of the age. [s. 19] Assistance and protection to child victims Centers for protection of victims Act No. 4 of 2016 s. 7 - 21 Verify source ↗
Centers for protection of victims
AI-assisted research summary: The Government must establish or designate centers for trafficking victims, based on the Anti-Trafficking Committee’s advice. Those centers must provide accommodation, care, protection, and help locating relatives.
21.–(1) The Government shall, on the advice of the Anti- Trafficking Committee, establish or designate centers for protection and assistance to victims of trafficking in persons. 123 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT [CAP. 432 R.E. 2023] Repatriation of victims (2) Centres established or designated pursuant to subsection (1), shall provide accommodation, nutrition, legal assistance, psychological and medical care, security and protection to the victims of trafficking in persons as well as assistance to locate their relatives. [s. 20] - 22 Verify source ↗
Repatriation of victims
AI-assisted research summary: The Government must ensure repatriation and reception of certain trafficking victims, and it may help repatriation by issuing travel documents or other needed authorisations when documents are missing.
22.–(1) The Government shall ensure repatriation and reception of victims of trafficking in persons who are Tanzanians or stateless persons who were entitled to permanent residence in the United Republic upon entry into the territory of another state. (2) The Government may facilitate repatriation of victim of trafficking in persons who does not possess the necessary documents by issuance of traveling documents or any other authorisation needed for the repatriation. [s. 21] Repatriation of child or disabled person - 23 Verify source ↗
Repatriation of child or a disabled person
AI-assisted research summary: A trafficking victim who is a child or disabled person must be repatriated to their country of origin if the required consents are in place.
23. A child or a disabled person who is a victim of trafficking in persons shall be repatriated to his country of origin where prior to his return- (a) a parent, relative or legal guardian has given consent to receiving the child or the disabled person into his care; and (b) a government agency or child protection agency from the country of origin has given consent and is able to undertake responsibility for the child and grant the child adequate assistance and protection. [s. 22] Repatriation of foreign citizens, etc. - 24 Verify source ↗
Repatriation of foreign citizens, etc
AI-assisted research summary: The Government must help trafficking victims who are voluntarily repatriating, arrange safe transport to the border, and help replace travel documents when needed; victims must not be repatriated or expelled if that would risk their life or safety.
24.–(1) The Government shall- (a) grant assistance to foreign citizens and stateless persons who are victims of trafficking in persons upon their voluntary repatriation to their country of origin; and (b) ensure transportation of the victims of trafficking in persons on safe conditions to the border of United Republic. 124 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT [CAP. 432 R.E. 2023] (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), a victim of trafficking in persons may not be repatriated or expelled to his country of origin or a third state where there is a ground to believe that the repatriation or expulsion may expose him to a risk of his life or that his safety or safety of his family may be endangered. (3) Where the victim of trafficking in persons has no traveling documents due to their loss, theft or destruction, the Government shall, upon the request by the foreign state, assist in obtaining such documents as may be necessary to enable that victim to return to his country of residence. [s. 23] Programs that address trafficking in persons - 25 Verify source ↗
Programs that address trafficking in persons
AI-assisted research summary: The Government must run programmes to prevent, protect, and rehabilitate trafficked persons, and several ministries must carry out related support, labour-compliance, prosecution, and legal-aid tasks.
25.–(1) It shall be the duty of the Government to establish, implement and coordinate preventive, protective and rehabilitative programmes for trafficked persons. (2) For purposes of subsection (1), the Government shall- (a) through the Ministry responsible for foreign affairs- (i) make available its resources and facilities overseas for trafficked persons regardless of manner of entry to the receiving country, and explore means to further enhance its assistance in elimination of trafficking activities through closer networking with government agencies in the country and overseas, particularly in the formulation of policies and implementation of relevant programs; and (ii) establish and implement a pre-marriage, on-site and pre-departure counseling programme on intermarriages; (b) through a Ministry responsible for social welfare- (i) implement rehabilitative and protective programmes for trafficked persons; and (ii) provide counseling and shelter to trafficked persons and develop a system for accreditation among NGO for purposes of establishing centers and programmes for intervention in various levels of the community; temporary 125 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT [CAP. 432 R.E. 2023] (c) through a Ministry responsible for labour and employment- (i) ensure strict implementation and compliance with the rules and guidelines relating to the employment of persons locally and overseas; and (ii) monitor, document and report cases of trafficking labour involving employers and in persons recruiters; and (d) through the Ministry responsible for legal affairs- (i) ensure the prompt prosecutions of persons involved in commission of offences in trafficking in persons; (ii) designate and train prosecutors in special skills in prosecution of offences of trafficking in persons; and (iii) establish a mechanism for free legal assistance for victims of trafficking in persons. [s. 24] PART V THE ANTI-TRAFFICKING FUND
Part
PART V
- 26 Verify source ↗
Establishment of Anti-Trafficking Fund
AI-assisted research summary: An Anti Trafficking Fund is established and called “the Fund” in this Act.
26. There is established an Anti Trafficking Fund referred to in this Act as “the Fund”. [s. 25] - 27 Verify source ↗
Sources of funds
AI-assisted research summary: The Fund may receive money and property from appropriations, private contributions, grants, donations, payable amounts, and other disbursements; sale proceeds of confiscated or forfeited property may be deposited in it with the Minister responsible for finance’s approval.
27.–(1) The sources of funds for the Fund shall include- (a) such amount of money as may be appropriated by the Parliament; (b) voluntary contributions from individuals, NGO’s and other private sector; (c) grants and donations from bilateral and multilateral organisations; (d) any sums of money or property which may in any manner become payable to or vested in the Fund; and (e) such other sums of money which may be disbursed for the Fund. 126 Establishment of Anti-Trafficking Fund Sources of funds Act No. 9 of 2021 s. 10 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT [CAP. 432 R.E. 2023] (2) The sale proceeds of any property confiscated or forfeited under this Act may, subject to approval of the Minister responsible for finance, be deposited in the Fund. [s. 26] Use of funds - 28 Verify source ↗
Use of funds
AI-assisted research summary: The Fund’s money must be used only for listed support purposes for victims of trafficking in persons.
28. The funds of the Fund shall be applied- (a) to support the basic material needs of victims of trafficking in persons; (b) for the training of victims of trafficking in persons; (c) for tracing the families of victims of trafficking in persons; and (d) for any matter connected with the rehabilitation and re-integration of victims of trafficking in persons to countries of origin to their best interest. [s. 27] Management of Fund - 29 Verify source ↗
Management of Fund
AI-assisted research summary: The Secretariat must manage the Fund, the Fund’s money must go into a dedicated bank account, the Fund’s accounts must be audited under the Public Finance Act, and the Fund’s financial year starts on 1 July each year.
29.–(1) The Fund shall be managed by the Secretariat. (2) Monies of the Fund shall be paid into a bank account opened for that purpose. (3) The books of account of the Fund shall be audited in Cap. 348 accordance with the provisions of the Public Finance Act. (4) The financial year for the Fund shall begin on the 1st July every year. [s. 28] Funds, accounts and annual estimates of Secretariat - 30 Verify source ↗
Funds, accounts and annual estimates of Secretariat
AI-assisted research summary: The Secretary must keep proper accounts and records for Secretariat funds, and must prepare and submit annual income-and-expenditure estimates to the Minister at least three months before the end of each financial year.
30.–(1) The funds of the Secretariat shall include- (a) any sums which may be appropriated by Parliament for purposes of the Secretariat; (b) any sums which may be payable to the Secretariat by way of donation, gifts or bequests; and (c) any sums which may accrue to the Secretariat by way of fees or other payment for services rendered by the Secretariat. (2) The Secretary shall cause to be kept proper books of accounts and records in respect of the receipt and expenditure of funds accruing to the Secretariat. 127 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT [CAP. 432 R.E. 2023] Establishment of the Anti-Trafficking Committee Act No. 9 of 2021 s. 11 (3) The books and accounts of the Secretariat shall be audited each year by the Controller and Auditor-General. (4) The Secretary shall, not later than three months before the end of each financial year, prepare and submit to the Minister detailed estimates of income and expenditure for the next financial year. [s. 29] PART VI ANTI-TRAFFICKING COMMITTEE
Part
PART VI
- 31 Verify source ↗
Establishment of Anti-Trafficking Committee
AI-assisted research summary: This section sets up an Anti-Trafficking Committee, gives it responsibility for government policy on preventing and controlling trafficking in persons, and provides for a Secretariat and Secretary to support it.
31.–(1) There is established an Anti-Trafficking Committee which shall, subject to section 34, be responsible for defining, promoting and coordinating the policy of the Government for prevention and control of trafficking in persons. (2) The Anti-Trafficking Committee shall be supported by a Secretariat which shall consist of such number of persons appointed by the Minister after consultation with the Minister responsible for public service. (3) The Secretariat shall advise the Anti-Trafficking Committee on matters relating to general administration of this Act and those referred to the Minister. (4) The Secretariat shall be headed by the Secretary who shall be appointed by the President from among senior public officers. [s. 30] Composition of Anti-Trafficking Committee Acts Nos. 8 of 2015 s. 10 9 of 2021 s. 12 - 32 Verify source ↗
Composition of Anti-Trafficking Committee
AI-assisted research summary: This section sets out who sits on the Anti-Trafficking Committee and how the Minister appoints the chairman and some members.
32.–(1) The Anti-Trafficking Committee shall be composed of- (a) a Chairman who shall be appointed by the Minister from amongst persons who have held the office of the Inspector General of Police, Director of Immigration or who holds or has held the Office of Commissioner General of Immigration Service Department, or Director of Intelligence and Security Service; 128 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT [CAP. 432 R.E. 2023] (b) a representative of the Ministry responsible for social welfare not below the designation of an Assistant Director; (c) a representative of the Ministry responsible for women and children not below the designation of a Assistant Director; (d) a lawyer from the Office of the Attorney General not below the designation of a Principal State Attorney; (e) a representative of a Ministry responsible for local governments not below the designation of an Assistant Director; (f) five persons being representative each of the Police Force, Prisons Services, Immigration, Tanzania Intelligence Security Services and the Refugee Services; (g) a representative of the Ministry responsible for foreign affairs; (h) a representative of the Labour Department not below the designation of a Deputy Commissioner for Labour; the private sector as recommended by association of Non-Governmental Organisations; (i) one person representing (j) a representative of the Ministry responsible for social welfare in the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar; (k) a representative of the Ministry responsible for women and children from the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar; (l) a representative of a Zanzibar-based association of Non-Governmental Organisation; (m) a law officer from the National Prosecutions Service not below the designation of an Assistant Director; (n) a representative from the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance; and (o) two representatives from other Civil Organisations appointed by the Minister. 129 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT [CAP. 432 R.E. 2023] (2) The Chairman and other member of the Anti-Trafficking Committee shall be appointed by and responsible to the Minister. (3) A member of the Committee shall, unless his appointment for three years and may be eligible for re-appointment for one further term. terminated, hold office is otherwise Functions of Anti-Trafficking Committee [s. 31] - 33 Verify source ↗
Functions of Anti-Trafficking Committee
AI-assisted research summary: The Anti-Trafficking Committee must carry out coordinating, advisory, planning, liaison, and guideline-making functions on trafficking in persons.
33. The Anti-Trafficking Committee shall- (a) co-ordinate activities of Government departments and law enforcement organs charged with matters relating to trafficking in persons; (b) make recommendations for a national plan of action against trafficking in persons; (c) advise the Minister on policy matters connected with trafficking in persons; (d) provide advice on the investigation and prosecution of offences on trafficking in persons; (e) propose and promote strategies to prevent and combat trafficking in persons; (f) liaise with government agencies and NGO’s to promote the rehabilitation and re-integration of victims of trafficking in persons; (g) keep abreast with international and regional in prevention and developments and standards combating trafficking in persons; (h) prepare guidelines for disbursements from the Fund; and (i) deal with any other matter relating to trafficking in persons. [s. 32] Meetings of Anti-Trafficking Committee - 34 Verify source ↗
Meetings of Anti-Trafficking Committee
AI-assisted research summary: The Anti-Trafficking Committee must meet when the Chairman तय/ determines, and in any case at least once every three months. The Chairman must preside at meetings, unless absent, in which case a member chosen by those present presides.
34.–(1) The Anti-Trafficking Committee shall meet at such times as the Chairman may determine but shall meet at least once in every three months. 130 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT [CAP. 432 R.E. 2023] Legal protection to trafficked persons Cap. 54 (2) The Chairman shall preside at meetings of the Anti-Trafficking Committee but in the absence of the Chairman, a member of the Anti-Trafficking Committee elected by the members present shall preside. [s. 33] PART VII MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Part
PART VII
- 35 Verify source ↗
Legal protection to trafficked persons
AI-assisted research summary: Trafficked persons are protected from prosecution or punishment for related crimes, may stay in the country during investigation and prosecution, and can be kept in government reception centres with basic assistance.
35.–(1) Trafficked persons shall neither be the subject of prosecution trafficking in persons nor penalised for crimes directly relating to prosecution in offences stipulated under this Act. (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of the Immigration Act, on the removal of an illegal immigrant, a trafficked person who is in the country unlawfully may remain in the United Republic throughout the period of a legal investigation and prosecution of a trafficker and the Government shall make arrangements for the repatriation of the trafficked person upon completion of the legal process. (3) Where it is in the best interest of the trafficked person, the trafficked person may be allowed to remain in the United Republic after the legal process with the approval of the Minister responsible for home affairs. (4) The person who is allowed to remain in the United Republic pursuant to subsection (3) shall stay in a reception centre provided by the Government where the person shall receive basic material assistance until settled within the United Republic. (5) Upon the conviction of a person accused of perpetrating the offence of trafficking in persons, a trafficked person shall stay in a reception centre provided by the Government where basic material assistance shall be provided until his repatriation. [s. 34] 131 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT [CAP. 432 R.E. 2023] General penalty Act No. 9 of 2021 s. 13 - 36 Verify source ↗
General penalty
AI-assisted research summary: If a person is convicted of an offence under this Act with no specific penalty set, the court may impose a fine, imprisonment, or both.
36. A person who commits an offence under this Act for which no specific penalty is prescribed, on conviction, shall be liable to a fine of not less than one million shillings but not exceeding ten million shillings or imprisonment for a term of not less than one year but not exceeding three years, or to both. [s. 34A] Indemnity of members - 37 Verify source ↗
38. Application of other laws
AI-assisted research summary: A member of the Anti-Trafficking Committee or the Secretariat is not personally liable for an act or omission done in good faith while carrying out functions or powers under the Act.
37. An act or thing done or omitted to be done by the member of the Anti-Trafficking Committee or the Secretariat, where done or omitted to be done in good faith in the performance of functions or the exercise of powers under this Act, shall not render the member personally liable for the act or omission. [s. 35] Application of other laws Cap. 368 Cap. 322 - 38 Verify source ↗
Application of other laws
AI-assisted research summary: A non-citizen of Tanzania who commits trafficking in persons is subject to extradition proceedings under the Extradition Act.
38.–(1) A person who is not a citizen of Tanzania who commits the offence of trafficking in persons shal1 be the subject of extradition proceedings conducted under the Extradition Act. (2) The provisions of this Act in so far as they relate to the powers of a police officer, shall be in addition to the powers conferred under the Police Force and Auxiliary Service Act and to laws relating to criminal procedures except that, where there is conflict, this Act shall prevail. [s. 36] Regulations - 39 Verify source ↗
Regulations
AI-assisted research summary: The Minister may make regulations, but only on advice from the Anti-Trafficking Committee.
39. The Minister may, on the advice of the Anti-Trafficking Committee, make regulations prescribing- (a) preventive measures to be taken by various government bodies against trafficking in persons for exploitative labour; (b) the training for the personnel of the security services to combat trafficking in persons; (c) the collection of data and exchange of information on trafficking in persons; (d) the rehabilitation and re-integration of trafficked persons; 132 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT [CAP. 432 R.E. 2023] (e) the procedure for protection, rehabilitation and assistance in handling of children who are victims of trafficking in persons; and (f) any other matter for the effective implementation of this Act. [s. 37] PART VIII CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS Omitted
Part
PART VIII
- 40 Verify source ↗
Omitted
AI-assisted research summary: Sections 40–43 are omitted.
40.–43. [Omitted.] [s. 38–41] 133 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.
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