Government Guarantees Steady Supply of Passports, Targets Diaspora with New Issuance Plan
By Patricia John
The Government of South Sudan has announced measures to ensure a steady and reliable supply of passport booklets and nationality documents, aiming to end persistent shortages.
The Director General of Civil Registration, Nationality, and Passport, Gen. Elia Costa, confirmed the arrival of 20,000 passport booklets and 50,000 nationality cards. He assured citizens that a new system has been put in place to maintain continuous availability through regular monthly deliveries.
“This time there will be no gaps like before. We will keep receiving booklets regularly to meet the demand,” he said.
Gen. Costa also emphasized that the government is prioritizing services for South Sudanese living abroad, particularly in Egypt, Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia, where many citizens face challenges due to expired travel documents.
He warned that expired passports can expose citizens to arrest or legal complications in foreign countries, underscoring the urgency of the new initiative.
The move is expected to ease pressure on passport issuance systems, accelerate processing, and ensure that citizens both at home and in the diaspora can access essential identification documents without delays.