When you expand your business globally, you’ll need to hire a team of dedicated workers in a new country. While these employees will likely make up the bulk of your workforce, you might also send some of your current employees abroad to support company growth.
Types of Work Visas in South Sudan
South Sudan offers five types of visas:
- Tourist visas for visiting the country on casual terms
- Education visas for attending school
- Official visas for diplomatic activities
- Missionary visas for performing mission work and religious volunteering
- Business visas for investment activities
Visas allow nonnationals to enter the borders by air, road, or river, but they do not allow a nonnational to work. International employees must acquire a work permit on a 12-month, multiple-entry visa before starting their position with a company in the country.
Requirements to Obtain South Sudan Work Visas
When an individual applies for a visa, they will need a completed application form with a valid passport, a copy of the passport photo, a place to stay in South Sudan, and allotted funds for the stay. Applicants will also need proof of vaccination for yellow fever. Nonnationals can apply for visas online or at a nearby consulate.
Employees will need to submit several documents to obtain a work permit:
- A copy of a valid passport
- A copy of a 12-month visa
- Two copies of a passport photo
- A CV and relevant academic qualification certificates
- An employment contract
- An employment letter
- Police clearance
The Ministry of Labor will also request some documents from the employer, including:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Tax registration
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Operating license
Application Process
As an employer, you may choose to work with your nonnational team members to help them obtain work permits.
The employee will need to start the process by obtaining a multiple-entry visa that’s valid for 12 months. Once they receive this visa, they can travel to South Sudan.
After the employee enters the country, they may apply for a work permit through the Ministry of Labor. They will need to obtain a fingerprinting clearance from the local police as part of the application process. As the employer, you will need to provide an employment letter extending an offer for a job in the country. You’ll also need to provide a copy of the employment contract.
The Ministry of Labor will ensure that your employment contract meets the minimum requirements outlined in the employment laws. You will need their approval to hire a nonnational employee.
You’ll also need to provide all relevant company information for the application. The applicant can submit these materials with the other items listed above to the Ministry of Labor.
Other Important Considerations
The country’s labor laws state that nonnational employers must give priority to nationals when hiring employees. Your workforce must consist of at least 80 percent South Sudanese nationals in a variety of positions. The Ministry of Labor may request information regarding this requirement before releasing work permits to applicants.
Applicants should note that a place of stay is required on the visa form before entering the country. All residence plans should be determined in advance.
Partner With Globalization Partners
Globalization Partners can give you the support you need for expansion to South Sudan. Sidestep the challenges of building an international team with our Employer of Record services. Contact us to get started today.