(JUBA) – The Director General of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passports and Immigration, Major General Elia Costa, confirmed on Thursday that several officers have been arrested in connection with fraudulent practices involving official travel and identity documents.
Speaking at a joint media briefing with the South Sudan Revenue Authority in Juba, Maj. Gen. Costa said the arrested personnel were allegedly involved in extorting money from citizens by issuing invalid documents, including visas, passports and nationality certificates.
“We have arrested some of our personnel who are forging Form 15, visas, nationality and passport documents,” Costa told reporters.
He did not specify the number of suspects in custody but emphasised that investigations are ongoing.
The Director General warned members of the public against using unofficial channels when applying for immigration services. He explained that reliance on intermediaries or brokers created loopholes for forgery, exploitation and extortion, leaving many people with invalid documents that cannot be used legally.
Costa stressed that offenders within the immigration department will face justice. He reassured the public that the government remains committed to addressing corruption and abuse of office across public institutions, particularly in departments that provide essential services.
Fraudulent documentation has long been a challenge in South Sudan, with both citizens and foreign nationals at risk of exploitation. Invalid papers not only cause financial losses but also hinder travel, business opportunities and access to legal rights.
