Lakes authorities started today registering foreigners living in the state.
Rumbek Central County Commissioner Matur Majok Magol held a meeting with businessmen from Kenya, Uganda and Darfur.He urged foreigners who are living in his county to turn up for registration whether or not they have legal documents, Good News Radio reported.
Mr Majok called upon all foreigners not to dodge the registration, adding that it will be free of charge and very important for their safety.
He asked shopkeepers to avoid sleeping at the shops and rent houses instead to avoid killings during night break-ins.
He added that security officers will be deployed to guard the shops and other premises throughout the night.
The representatives of Kenyan and Ugandan merchants expressed delight for the efforts to maintain the security of foreigners.
Mr. Douglas Masafu, who chairs the Kenyan community, praised the Migration Department in the state for making efforts to stop some illegal charges levied against foreigners, including roadblocks.
His Ugandan counterpart, Charles Tambara, appreciated the move to have foreigners registered, urging his colleagues to embrace the exercise.
He raised concern over the rise of burglary incidents and asked security to be beefed up.
The registration exercise of foreigner traders started today at Rumbek’s Freedom Square.
Foreigners working for private organizations are to submit their respective details through a representative.