South Sudan has resolved to charge foreign workers running businesses in the country $4,000 after an outcry over the work permit fee hike to $10,000 in March from the initial $100.
The Ministry of Finance suspended the plans to hike the fees in April after criticism from several aid organisations that are helping to revive the war-ravaged country.
The fee has been reduced to $4,000 and it will take effect in November, the ministry said in a statement that categorizes workers and the amount they will be charged.
Consultants and managers will be charged the $4,000 fee, professionals will pay $3,000, technicians will pay $2,000, skilled workers will pay $1,000 dollars, unskilled workers will pay $500, said the statement cited by local media.
“Outstanding payments with the old rate are to be cleared with the Central Bank and the ministry with immediate effect. Failure to do so will result in charges with new rate.
“Work permit forms that were taken earlier and submitted after October 22, will be charged with the new rates,” the statement added with a warning that defaulters will pay a fine of $200.
The world’s youngest country plunged into conflict in December 2013 after a political feud between President Salva Kiir and armed opposition leader Riek Machar, who are from rival ethnic groups.
The conflict has killed thousands of people and driven more than 2 million from their homes.
