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Famine-hit South Sudan sharply raises foreigners’ work fees

In this photo taken Wednesday, March 1, 2017, Lulu Yurdio, 12, collects food aid for himself and his two siblings and parents who remain hiding in the bush, in Padeah, South Sudan. South Sudanese who fled famine and fighting in Leer county emerged from South Sudan's swamps after months in hiding to receive food aid being distributed by the World Food Program. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick)
In this photo taken Wednesday, March 1, 2017, Lulu Yurdio, 12, collects food aid for himself and his two siblings and parents who remain hiding in the bush, in Padeah, South Sudan. South Sudanese who fled famine and fighting in Leer county emerged from South Sudan's swamps after months in hiding to receive food aid being distributed by the World Food Program. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick)

By Associated Press 2 min read

KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) – South Sudan has sharply increased the fees required for foreigners to work in the country – from roughly $100 to up to $10,000 – just days after famine was declared there.

Even before the fee hike, the government had been repeatedly accused of restricting humanitarian aid access during the country’s three-year civil war. With the famine declaration, the pleas for access are rising.

The Ministry of Labor raised work permit fees to anywhere from $10,000 to $1,000 depending on skill level, according to a memorandum dated Thursday.

Minister of Information Michael Makuei told The Associated Press on Saturday that the fee hikes apply only to foreigners and are aimed at increasing government revenue.

South Sudan’s government and the United Nations late last month declared a famine in two counties of the East African nation, saying about 100,000 people are at risk. The next day, President Salva Kiir said his government would ensure “unimpeded access” for all aid organizations.