Dramatic fee hike suspended

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Officials have suspended plans to impose a $10,000 work permit fee, saying the increase could have hindered relief efforts in the famine-stricken country.

What does the change mean? Employers and foreign nationals applying for work permits will continue to pay the current fee of $100.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Work permits.
• Who is affected: Employers, including relief organizations, and foreign nationals seeking work permits.
• Business impact: The suspension of the fee hike will save companies and relief organizations considerable money and may allow them to bring more personnel to work in South Sudan.

Background: South Sudan announced plans in March to increase work permit fees dramatically from $100 to $10,000 per application. The country is experiencing a severe food shortage, exacerbated by an ongoing civil war. The United Nations declared a famine in South Sudan in February and, after the work permit fee hike was announced, officials faced criticism that it would hinder relief work. Finance Minister Stephen Dhieu Dau acknowledged that part of the reason for suspending the fee hike was its potential to impair aid work.

BAL Analysis: The suspension of the planned fee hike is welcome news for relief organizations and other employers in South Sudan.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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