South Sudan Youth Reforms (SSYR)
Policy on Foreign Workers & Local Job Protection
Background
South Sudan’s youth unemployment remains high, even as aid, development, and private sectors employ large numbers of foreign workers. SSYR values skilled expatriates where necessary, but we insist that local talent be prioritized, recruitment be fair, and all workers—local and migrant—be treated with dignity.
Key Issues Identified
- Displacement of Local Talent: South Sudanese graduates are overlooked for roles filled by foreign nationals, including non‑technical positions.
- Unfair Recruitment: Some employers favor foreign hires due to contracts or perceptions of higher capacity.
- Weak Enforcement: Labour regulations do not sufficiently protect local hiring priorities.
- Migrant Worker Protection: Foreign workers sometimes face exploitation and need legal safeguards.
Policy on Foreign Workers & Local Job Protection
A national policy proposal by SSYR to National Employment Priority Act: Minimum 70% local hires in NGOs, development projects, and companies—exceptions only for rare technical expertise..
SSYR’s Proposed Policy Measures
- National Employment Priority Act: Minimum 70% local hires in NGOs, development projects, and companies—exceptions only for rare technical expertise.
- Local Skills First: All vacancies must be posted locally for 30 days before recruiting abroad.
- Sector Quotas: Stricter local hiring targets in admin, finance, communications, logistics.
- Capacity Building Clause: For every foreign hire, train two South Sudanese staff.
- Work Permit Reform: Grant permits only when no qualified local candidate is available.
- Protection for Migrants: Binding standards for fair wages, contracts, and legal recourse.
- Compliance Audits: Annual workforce reviews and sanctions for violators.
Why This Policy Matters
- Empowers Youth: Creates pathways for graduates and TVET alumni.
- Builds Capacity: Reduces long‑term dependence on external expertise.
- Boosts Economy: Keeps salaries and skills growth in‑country.
- Fairness: Protects both locals and migrant workers from exploitation.
SSYR’s Call: Government, NGOs, and private sector must commit to “Local Skills First” while upholding dignity and protection for all migrant workers.