THE government has successfully repatriated 107 of the 663 registered nationals residing in Israel and Iran, a strategic move arising from escalating warfare and deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.

Dennis Londo, the East African Cooperation deputy minister, made this affirmation in the legislature yesterday, responding to concerns raised by MPs when debating the 2025/26 budget estimates and development plan.

He stressed the government's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Tanzanian nationals abroad amidst heightened global uncertainties.

The world is currently experiencing considerable instability due to ongoing conflicts in various countries, thus President Samia Suluhu Hassan has issued clear directives for actively coordinating efforts to facilitate the safe return of Tanzanian citizens from conflict-ridden countries, he said.

"Initially, there were 168 Tanzanians reported to be in Iran and 495 in Israel," he said, noting that of those returning 42 were repatriated from Israel and 65 from Iran.

These individuals have departed their respective high-risk areas and are now either en route back home or have been safely moved to other secure locations," he explained

In addition to repatriation efforts, the Foreign Affairs ministry is actively engaging with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, as well as the President's Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG) to ensure that regions and districts bordering East African Community (EAC) member states ‘are fully empowered and equipped to actively participate in and leverage the opportunities presented by the EAC market.”

Other ministers presented updates on their respective sectors, with Dr Stergomena Tax, at Defense and National Service providing assurances to the legislature that Tanzania's borders remain secure. Peace and tranquillity within the country has been significantly strengthened, she stated.

In a positive development for military personnel, welfare benefits for officers and soldiers have been improved to relate with current living costs, where its implementation commences next month.

Similarly, Prof Adolf Mkenda at Education, Science and Technology, assured MPs that the budget estimates show that the government is well-prepared to implement far-reaching education reforms initiated by President Samia.

The estimates facilitate the implementation of a revised education policy where compulsory education in Tanzania will be extended to 10 years, an increase from the current seven years, he stated.

"Every Tanzanian pupil must reach form four," he said, noting that the government has prepared for the construction of vocational schools, and any pupil pursuing vocational training who proceeds to higher education will undertake studies for two years for Form Five and Six. Those in the vocational stream will study for three years, he specified.

Jenista Mhagama, the Health minister, affirmed that despite the dynamic landscape of international health policies, Tanzania faces no major challenges within its health sector and is confident in navigating future transitions smoothly.

"We have sufficient medical supplies, including all necessary medicines and reagents to last until 2026," she added.