The registration of foreign nationals working in Lakes State has received positive response despite the common lack of proper documents.
The registration to verify foreigners with legal passports and visas in the State kicked off on Monday, and so far 127 registered foreigners did not have a passport.Majang Majok Awak, the officer in charge of the registration in Rumbek Central County, told Good News Radio that the lack of proper documents will not affect the exercise.
He added that his office will consult the Migration authorities in Juba to find a solution.
The officer urged the foreigners to cooperate and register with or without personal documents.
The registration exercise was rumoured to be a scheme to get rid of foreigners especially Kenyans and Ugandans.
Arap Mackay, an Engineer from Uganda, dismissed such fears calling them fabrications after going through the exercise without any problems.
Ethiopian refugees working in Lakes State had difficulty getting through the registration because of lack of connections with their government.
Marco Wendem Kasahun, who leads the Ethiopian community in Lakes State, said he was a refugee in Kenya for 20 years before coming to South Sudan.
He and other Ethiopian refugees have only UNHCR ID documents and temporary working permits given by the Government of South Sudan but no Ethiopian passports.
Mr. Wendem refused to disclose why he was not able to contact the Ethiopian Embassy in Juba to get a valid document.
The registration of foreigners will continue until Friday in Lakes State.