Financial constraints have caused significant delays in the production of national IDs and passports in South Sudan, officials say.
Director-General of the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passports, and Immigration, Maj. Gen. Elia Kosta, confirmed that budgetary shortfalls have hindered timely payments to the company responsible for producing the documents.
“The delays were largely due to financial challenges that prevented us from settling production costs on schedule,” he explained.
To address the issue, the directorate has proposed a new plan under which part of the revenue collected from citizens will go directly toward covering the costs of producing IDs and passports.
The remaining funds will continue to be transferred to the national treasury.
Maj. Gen. Kosta expressed confidence that this arrangement will provide a long-term solution to the recurring backlogs, ensuring faster and more reliable delivery of documents.
Citizens have long reported long waiting times for passports and IDs, which has affected travel, employment, and access to government services.
Authorities say the new funding model is expected to streamline service delivery, improve accountability, and restore public trust in the system.
“This plan is a step toward efficient service and reduced delays,” Maj. Gen. Kosta said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to addressing the issue and meeting the needs of the people.
