(JUBA) – South Sudan’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Dr Wek Mamer Kuol, on Monday presented a set of bilateral agreements and a treaty with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the national parliament for review and possible ratification.
The documents include a memorandum of understanding on visa exemptions, an agreement on air services, a treaty on the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion, and a bilateral investment treaty.
Speaking to lawmakers in Juba on 25 August, Dr Mamer explained that the visa exemption memorandum, first signed in 2019, is intended to boost relations and make travel between the two countries easier.
“Allow me to present to you this memorandum of understanding between the government of South Sudan and the government of the United Arab Emirates on the exemption of entry visa requirements for deliberation and ratification.”
The agreement proposes exemptions for several categories of travellers. These include diplomatic, official, business and ordinary passport holders from South Sudan, and diplomatic, special and ordinary passport holders from the UAE. Under its terms, passports must be valid for at least six months in order to qualify for visa-free entry.
On the air services agreement, the minister said the arrangement was designed to expand international air travel and cooperation between the two countries’ aviation sectors.
“The purpose of this agreement is to facilitate international air transport and strengthen friendship between the two countries and their people,” he said.
The treaty on the avoidance of double taxation aims to prevent businesses and individuals from being taxed twice on the same income, while the bilateral investment treaty is expected to encourage more UAE investments in South Sudan.
Parliament Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba welcomed the agreements, describing them as positive news for citizens. She said businesspeople in particular would benefit from the visa waiver and stronger ties with the UAE.
She referred the documents to the parliamentary committees on foreign affairs, legislation and justice, and taxation for detailed examination. A report is expected to be presented within two weeks before parliament decides on ratification.
If ratified, the agreements are likely to improve mobility, trade and investment between South Sudan and the UAE, while also positioning Juba as a growing hub for international cooperation.
Summary of South Sudan-UAE Agreements Presented to Parliament
| Agreement | Key Provisions | Expected Benefits for South Sudan |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Exemption | Exempts diplomatic, official, business and ordinary passport holders from visa requirements (minimum passport validity: 6 months) | Easier travel for citizens and businesspeople, stronger people to people ties |
| Air Services Agreement | Promotes international air transport and cooperation in aviation | Expanded flight connections, potential increase in trade and tourism |
| Double Taxation Treaty | Prevents double taxation and fiscal evasion | Fairer taxation for businesses, encourages foreign investment |
| Bilateral Investment Treaty | Provides framework for UAE investments in South Sudan | Boosts capital inflows, creates jobs and business opportunities |