South Sudan’s government has suspended the implementation of its recent decision that hiked the fee for work permits for foreign aid workers from $100 to $10,000, saying the new policy will be implemented after parliament approval in the coming months.

Speaking at a press conference in Juba on Saturday, South Sudan’s Finance Minister, Stephen Dhieu Dau, said the implementation of the new charges for work permits for foreigner aid workers has been suspended after the committee tasked to review the new policy had registered genuine complaints from the implementing government agencies and other stakeholders.

“The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning takes note that some rates are high, while others are low,” said Dhieu.

The official further said the government will continue with its old charges until the new work permit fee for foreigners is revised and passed by South Sudan’s National Legislative Assembly.

Dhieu pointed out that the implementing government agencies had provided new proposals and rates which would be submitted to the cabinet and parliament for approval.

South Sudan government recently increased the charges for aid workers, sparking complaints from aid agencies operating in the world’s young nation.

The decision, which followed the UN declaration of famine in parts of the country in February, has been viewed as a target on foreigners working in humanitarian organizations that are assisting majority of citizens displaced by the ongoing conflict.

Photo: Minister of Finance, Stephen Dhieu Dau (Radio Tamazuj)