Participants of IGAD meeting on the protocol on free movement of persons within the region are calling on IGAD to give time on the protocol for more consultations before it is applied to South Sudan.
In a group discussion during the IGAD consultation meeting in Juba, some participants say the capacity of the institutions in the country should be strengthened first.
The other group expresses fear that the foreigners will take advantage of dominating jobs as most of the South Sudanese are illiterate.
They say the free movement of persons among the member state may give chance for criminals to enter South Sudan.
The participants also say South Sudan is less developed compared to other countries and it may be affected.
Dr Mehari Taddele Maru, IGAD lead expert says IGAD is in a primary consultation within the region and it may take over three years for the protocol to be rectified, documented and implemented.
He encourages member states to be progressive in the process.
Dr Taddele says the protocol takes long time because it should reflect the interest of the countries.
The officials were talking during the conclusion of the IGAD consultation meeting with South Sudanese on the protocol on free movement of persons in the IGAD region.