Africa-Press – South-Sudan. On Tuesday, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Peter Mayen Majongdit, through his Facebook page, called on all foreign nationals working in the country to acquire work permits within 72 hours.
“My patience is coming to an end. Therefore, for every action, there is an equal reaction, I personally advise all Kenyan(s) working with the UN agents, International NGOs and National NGOs at all levels, Boma, Payam, counties and national level to seek their work permit and other relevant documents to avoid inconvenience within 72 hours….other nationalities I also advise them to do so.., it a reality in action, and I am kindly advising all to comply,” Mayen said.
Although the statement has been welcomed by hundreds of youth across the country, it should not be mistaken that the compulsory work permit approach could create more jobs.
Instead of dwelling on the work permits, the government should focus beyond that and take a great step in the labour market.
The government needs to invest a lot in the labour market through job creation. We are all aware that around 70 per cent of the labour market in the country is created by foreign investors and UN agencies. This, to some extent, has influenced the employment of nationals, except for a few investors who believe in the economic empowerment of the local people.
The government needs to empower the national investors to create more jobs for the locals instead of just focusing on work permits. Currently, the national ministry of youth and sports is planning to donate loans to young entrepreneurs, and these loans should be given only to those who intend to use the money to create more jobs for other young people outside there.
It should not be given to people who deal in luxury businesses such as car importation, and car accessories, because these kinds of businesses do not focus on empowering other young people. There is a need to support investors that tend to create more jobs for the young people in the country.
Also, foreign investors need to be encouraged by providing a good and secure environment, which in turn attracts them to set up more businesses across the country, not only in Juba City. Areas outside Juba have more potential hubs for business and if there was better security in the states, most of the investment could not be concentrated within the capital, Juba
So, the issuance of a 72-hour ultimatum on a work permit is not the best solution to resolve the unemployment problems in the country.
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