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{
    "id": 1097708,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1097708/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 12,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Speaker",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Hon. Members, you may recall that the National Assembly passed the Refugee Bill, (National Assembly Bill No.62 of 2019), that was sponsored by the Leader of the Majority Party. Following its passage, I did present the Bill for assent to His Excellency the President in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and our Standing Orders. However, in exercise of the powers conferred under Article 115(1)(b) of the Constitution, His Excellency the President, by way of a Memorandum dated 11th August 2021, has referred the Bill back to the National Assembly for re-consideration. Hon. Members, in his Memorandum, the President has expressed reservations on the following clauses of the Bill: (i) Clause 2 of the Bill, which defines the term “transit centre”. The President recommends that the definition of “transit centre” be amended to also include a prison, immigration detention centre, police station, remand home or any other similar place that may be designated as a transit centre. Amongst the reasons for his reservations, the President notes that the effect of the omission of the proposed definition is in conflict with Sections 4 and 12(3)(g) of the Persons Deprived of Liberty Act of 2014, which provides that detention facilities may be used as holding centres for refugees and asylum seekers where there is need for humanitarian assistance. (ii) Clause 8 of the Bill, which provides for the establishment and functions of the Commissioner for Refugee Affairs. His Excellency the President observes that the proposal does not provide for the empowerment of the Commissioner for Refugee Affairs to promote, in as far as possible and where applicable, the procurement or purchase of local products and services in support of refugee intervention and support programmes. This leaves room for importation of goods that would otherwise be locally available and, therefore, failing to benefit the local economy. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}