(JUBA) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) of South Sudan has clarified its role in verifying and authenticating official documents, both from within the country and those originating from abroad.
This comes as part of efforts to ensure legal recognition and credibility of key documents used for academic, commercial and immigration purposes.
According to guidance published on the Ministry’s official website (mofaic.gov.ss), the MFAIC and its consular sections are mandated to authenticate a wide range of official papers.
These generally fall into three main categories namely commercial documents (such as trade certificates or business agreements), academic qualifications (like diplomas or transcripts) and immigration documents (including visas or permits).
The Ministry stressed that any document issued by a foreign country must first be legalised by the relevant authority in its country of origin before being presented in South Sudan. This applies to any official paper that a foreign individual, company or government wishes to use or submit in the country.
For example, a university degree earned abroad must be validated by the issuing country’s education or foreign affairs authority before being accepted by South Sudanese institutions or offices. This also applies to trade licences or legal contracts issued overseas.
Likewise, any official document produced in South Sudan must be authenticated by the Ministry before it can be recognised in a foreign country. This includes degrees issued by South Sudanese universities, commercial registration documents or official letters related to immigration or residency.
This verification process aims to establish the origin and legitimacy of important papers, helping to prevent fraud, forgery, or misuse in both domestic and international contexts. It also ensures that South Sudanese documents meet global standards when being used abroad.
Below is a simple breakdown of the types of documents and the authentication steps required:
| Document Type | Issued Abroad | Issued in South Sudan |
|---|---|---|
| Academic | Must be authenticated by issuing country | Must be authenticated by MFAIC |
| Commercial | Requires validation by origin authority | Requires MFAIC stamp before international use |
| Immigration | Legalised abroad before South Sudan use | Validated by MFAIC for foreign presentation |
The Ministry notes that individuals and organisations should begin the process of authentication as early as possible, especially if the documents are needed for time sensitive applications such as university admissions, business permits or immigration paperwork.
While the service is essential for ensuring document legitimacy, no specific service fees were published at the time of reporting. However, where fees apply, any payments made in South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) should be converted at the official rate of 1 USD = 4,600 SSP, as of June 2025.
The MFAIC has encouraged citizens and foreign nationals to visit the official site or contact the consular services directly for assistance. This is particularly relevant for students studying abroad, traders engaging with international partners or those applying for residency and visas overseas.
It also advised the public to be cautious of using unofficial agents or intermediaries, as only the Ministry is authorised to issue authentication seals or certifications that are legally recognised.