National lawmakers on Tuesday passed a new labour law which protects national workers’ rights and provide guidelines for employment in the country.
The labour bill allocates 80 percent of employment in private sectors for South Sudanese nationals.
The law would preserve employment opportunities for many South Sudanese graduates in various public or private sectors, says Victor Omugo Ogide, Deputy Chairperson of the Labour and Public Service Committee in the assembly.
MP Omugo says the bill is passed with all observations and amendment and it will be taken to the office of the president in few days to come.
But if it stays for a month from now and president did not sign it the bill becomes a law automatically.
Mary Hilary Wani, Undersecretary for Labour in the Ministry of Labour Public Service, admits that they have been using Sudanese Labour Law since the independence.
It has been so challenging in dealing with foreigners while quoting a law of other country, she adds.
Mrs Hilary says now that the law is out it will help regulate the general working situation in the country for both national and International employees.
Edmond Yakani, Executive Director for Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, says the labour law is long overdue.
He praises the legislators for passing the law to protect rights of workers and regulate employment issues such as working permit, environment and privileges.
Yakani says issues like paternal leave, termination of contracts and benefits are now clearly defined in the new labour law.
He calls on the lawmakers and other partners to urgently disseminate the law to citizens so that they are aware of their rights.