Foreign workers running businesses in South Sudan will now be required to pay $4,000 for work permit after an outcry over the hike in fee 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, Africanews reports.
According to a statement from the Ministry, the new fee takes effect in November.
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 Eye Radio, the report said.
The ministry added that payments with the old rates are to be cleared immediately. Those who fail to do so will incur charges.
“Work permit forms that were taken earlier and submitted after 22nd October, 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.
According to a Human Watch Rights group, the conflict has killed thousands and displaced 2.4 million people.
