South Sudan Nears Completion of National Labour Migration Policy

(Juba) – South Sudan has taken a significant step toward improving how it manages labour migration. From February 3 to 5, 2025, a high level workshop was held in Juba to finalize the key components of the country’s new Labour Migration Policy.

The event was organized by the Government of South Sudan in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), through the Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) Programme, which is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The three day workshop brought together a broad group of stakeholders. Representatives from government ministries, trade unions, employers’ organizations, civil society, academic institutions, and international organizations, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) participated in discussions.

The goal was to ensure that South Sudan develops a clear, enforceable policy to guide how it handles both incoming and outgoing migrant workers.

A key outcome of the meeting was agreement on the policy’s core priorities and guiding principles. Stakeholders aligned on making the policy inclusive, based on human rights, and supportive of national development.

The framework now includes provisions for better regulation and oversight of labour migration, as well as protections for migrant workers. The policy also aims to increase the economic benefits of remittances sent home by South Sudanese working abroad.

Another topic of discussion was the need for closer cooperation among government bodies. This includes improved collection and use of migration data and stricter regulation of foreign labour.

Participants also agreed on the importance of transferring skills from foreign workers to local employees, while ensuring that job opportunities for South Sudanese citizens are safeguarded.

Progress was also made on the action plan that will guide implementation of the policy. The plan outlines the roles and responsibilities of various government agencies.

It includes steps such as improving recruitment processes, introducing formal pre-departure training for migrant workers, and expanding social protections for those who return. A system to monitor and evaluate how the policy is carried out will be set up to ensure transparency and accountability.

Financial sustainability was another major focus. Participants discussed ways to fund the policy using national resources, support from international partners, and involvement from the private sector. These funding sources are expected to support long-term efforts to manage migration effectively.

With the framework and action plan now largely completed, the next step is formal government approval.

The Ministry of Labour, with continued support from the ILO, will finalize the full policy document. Once approved, an inter-ministerial body will be formed to coordinate implementation across different sectors.

 The new policy is designed to promote decent work, protect worker rights, and make migration a force for national development as more South Sudanese seek jobs abroad and the country receives foreign labour,

According to ILO and regional observers, South Sudan is increasingly aligning its approach with regional and international best practices.

If successfully implemented, the policy could strengthen South Sudan’s role in regional migration management and offer more stability in the long term.