By Ginaba Lino
The Government of South Sudan has officially resumed the issuance of passports and national identity cards after a year-long shortage that left thousands of citizens unable to travel, study, or access essential services.
The Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passport and Immigration announced in Juba on Friday that a new production contract has been signed to ensure a steady and uninterrupted supply of passport and ID booklets.
Speaking at the launch, Maj. Gen. Elia Costa, Director of Passports, Nationality and Immigration, assured the public that shortages of passports, national identity cards, and nationality certificates will no longer occur.
“We have signed a contract with a company that will guarantee continuous production of booklets. From now on, we do not expect any interruptions,” Costa said. “We thank the public for their patience during this difficult period.”
Costa said priority will be given to students applying for scholarships, candidates sitting for national examinations, and patients who require urgent medical travel abroad.
The Directorate revealed that it has received 105,050 regular passports, 4,404 diplomatic passports, 35,000 nationality certificates, and 3,080,440 national ID cards ready for distribution.
He also announced the official launch of a new national ID system, stressing that the ID card will now serve as the primary document for legal and administrative purposes.
“The ID card contains essential personal details, including place of work, residence, and blood group. It is time we use it as the main form of identification in banks, courts, and police stations,” he said.
Costa added that national IDs will be issued to citizens aged 18 and above, noting that the first batch has already been presented to President Salva Kiir Mayardit, the First Lady, and the Inspector General of Police.
The Directorate also disclosed plans to conduct a nationwide screening of foreigners living in South Sudan to update immigration data and strengthen security.
“We have put measures in place to ensure there will never again be excuses for passport shortages,” Costa said. “As we approach elections, every citizen should have a nationality card and national ID.”
The event also marked the first official visit of the Inspector General of Police to the Directorate since assuming office, a move seen as reinforcing the institution’s renewed commitment to public service.
For many South Sudanese, the return of passport and ID services represents more than paperwork, it signals restored opportunity, identity, and hope.