The Department of Homeland Security announced the extension and redesignation of South Sudan for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from Nov. 4, 2023, through May 3, 2025.

Key Points:

  • The TPS extension will allow currently eligible TPS beneficiaries from South Sudan to retain TPS through May 3, 2025, provided they continue to meet eligibility requirements.
  • The redesignation will allow additional South Sudanese nationals who have continuously resided in the United States since Sept. 4, 2023, and been continuously physically present in the United States since Nov. 4, 2023, to file first-time TPS applications.
  • DHS posted a Federal Register notice, detailing the eligibility criteria, timelines and procedures for current beneficiaries to re-register and renew Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), and for new applicants to submit initial applications under the redesignation and apply for EADs.

Additional Information: In a statement, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said the extension and redesignation would allow the U.S. to “continue to offer safety and protection to South Sudanese nationals who may not be able to return to their country due to the ongoing armed conflict and humanitarian crisis.” DHS said the extension would allow approximately 133 current beneficiaries to retain TPS, while the redesignation would allow roughly 140 additional individuals to file first-time TPS applications.

‌This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Department of Homeland Security has announced the extension and redesignation of Sudan for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from Oct. 20, 2023, through April 19, 2025.

Key Points:

  • The TPS extension will allow currently eligible Sudanese TPS beneficiaries to retain TPS through April 19, 2025, provided they continue to meet eligibility requirements.
  • The redesignation allows additional Sudanese nationals who have continuously resided in the United States since Aug. 16, 2023, and been continuously physically present in the United States since Oct. 20, 2023, to file first-time TPS applications.
  • DHS published a Federal Register notice, detailing the eligibility criteria, timelines and procedures for current beneficiaries to re-register and renew Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), and for new applicants to submit initial applications under the redesignation and apply for EADs.

 

Background: Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement Friday that Sudan “has experienced political instability and ongoing conflict that has resulted in a humanitarian crisis” following the military takeover of the country’s government. DHS estimated the TPS extension would cover about 1,200 current beneficiaries, while the redesignation would make an additional 2,750 individuals eligible for TPS.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

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.

Copyright © 2017 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.