[OPINION] – Job Seekers in Yei Face Extra Costs Before They Can Even Apply

(By Poni Abraham) – Recently, my employer advertised several locally based positions in Yei. Since the successful candidates would report directly to me, I personally reviewed their applications.

One detail immediately caught my attention. Every cover letter was signed, stamped and approved by the labour office in Yei. Alongside each application was a certificate issued by the same office.

Curious about this, I asked around. I was told that in Yei it is compulsory for any job application to be signed and stamped by the labour department before it is submitted. In addition, the same department issues a certificate that applicants must also provide. Hiring managers are instructed not to shortlist or recruit anyone who does not present both the certificate and the approved application letter.

Both the certificate and the approval stamp must be paid for separately at the labour office. This means that every time someone applies for a job, they have to pay these fees again, regardless of the outcome.

For a struggling job seeker who may not even afford transport or phone credit, these costs add yet another barrier.

Consider the case of someone applying for 20 jobs without success: how much money would they have to spend just for the chance to be considered? Does this mean that without money you are automatically excluded from competing for work?

I find this practice confusing. Is it even legal? Is it applied in other parts of South Sudan? I have never come across it in Juba. Has anyone else experienced this?

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Poni Abraham is a Communications, Advocacy and Lobby Specialist with more than seven years of experience in leading gender and peace campaigns, advocacy initiatives and public engagement. She is also a strategist, public influencer and experienced event host.

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