The Government plans to expel all foreigners who are in South Sudan without legal documents.
Interior minister Alison Manani Magaya said his ministry will start registering all foreigners in South Sudan between January and April in collaboration with the ministries of foreign affairs, labour and humanitarian affairs, Bakhita Radio reported.He explained that foreigners visiting South Sudan need a valid passport and a three-month entry visa that may be extended to an extra month.
Mr Manani said foreigners who overstay will be fined 30 US dollars for each day beyond the four-month visa.
The minister explained that the initiative is not a move against foreigners but intends to reduce the crime rate in South Sudan.
He added that South Sudan maintained an open-door policy during the transition period but now wants to adopt international norms to restrict the presence of foreigners without legal documents in the country.
Mr. Magaya was speaking yesterday at the official launch of South Sudan’s electronic passport, identity card and nationality certificate.