The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Mulambo Haimbe, has clarified that the German Embassy did not reject visa applications for 18 Members of Parliament scheduled to travel to Berlin and Turkey for an international conference.
This follows a statement in Parliament last week by Bwana Mkubwa MP Warren Mwambazi, who said he and 17 colleagues were denied visas.
In a ministerial statement delivered in Parliament, Mr. Haimbe explained that the applications could not be processed within the required timeframe. He stated that the request for the necessary Note Verbale was made only five days before the intended travel date. This did not meet the minimum processing timeframe under Schengen visa regulations, particularly as the German Embassy required approval from Berlin due to the size of the delegation.
Mr. Haimbe said the Embassy was willing to process visas for five members of the delegation, but this option was not admissible to the team. He emphasized that the incident is isolated and that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs consistently facilitates visas for MPs, government officials, and the general public.
He further clarified that while MPs hold diplomatic passports, Schengen rules only allow ministers or persons of equivalent rank to qualify for fast-track processing. MPs are required to submit their applications at least 10 to 15 days before travel to allow for administrative procedures.
In hard times this can only be classed as a waste of money
Very good. Rules must be followed all the times. Why did they delay to apply for Visas? MPs must demonstrate discipline at all times because they represent the people.