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South Sudan – Government orders termination of all foreign work contract, then backtracks

18 September 2014

South Sudan’s Labour and Public Services Ministry has ordered that the contracts of all foreign workers in the country be terminated, effective from the middle of October 2014, reports The Sudan Tribune.

However, since the release of the announcement, South Sudanese officials have backtracked, somewhat, claiming that the decree banning foreigners from working in the country was released prematurely. 

The original announcement on 12 September cites positions such as Executive Director, Head of HR, Public Relations, Procurement Officer as some of the key posts to be occupied by nationals. 

The circular, signed by Ngor Kolong Ngor, Labour Minister stated: "All non-governmental organisations, private companies in general, banks, insurance companies, telecommunication companies, petroleum companies, hotels, and lodges in South Sudan are directed to notify all the aliens working with them in all the positions to cease working as from 15th October 2014 forthwith. The purpose of this circular is to induce and protect the rights and interests of the people of South Sudan.”

The Ministry's Undersecretary, Hellen Aciro backed the newly issued directive, saying the Minister was only implementing the existing employment guidelines. She said non-government organisations and other foreign private sectors operating in the country have for long ignored these regulations.

Ms Aciro commented: "This circular does not imply that the republic of South Sudan does not want foreigners to work in their country. The issue is we want to balance this equation," she added.

Following the admission that the decree was released early, South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Barnaba Marial Benjamin and Mr Ngor told a joint press conference that some measures are being outlined to regulate the job landscape in the country.

Mr Benjamin assured foreign workers in the country that their jobs are not threatened and that the government was not interested in targeting them through a campaign of witch-hunt in a bid to hound them out of gainful employment.