(JUBA) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of South Sudan has announced that preparations are underway to issue Machine Readable Convention Travel Documents (MRCTDs) for refugees and stateless persons officially recognised by the government.
The initiative, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and other state institutions, is aimed at providing digital legal identity documents, including refugee identity cards and MRCTDs, in line with international best practices and the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
Officials said the new system represents a major step forward in protecting the rights of refugees and stateless persons in South Sudan. It is also expected to improve their freedom of movement, enhance access to services, and ensure recognition of their legal identity.
The Commission for Refugee Affairs (CRA) and the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passports and Immigration (DCRNPI) are finalising draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that will guide the implementation of the new system. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is providing ongoing technical assistance.
According to the Ministry, this project reflects the government’s growing commitment to digital systems of documentation and aligns with global efforts to strengthen migration management, border security, and refugee protection.
The initiative could also have wider benefits, including helping South Sudan fulfil international obligations, easing travel for refugees and stateless persons, and building confidence among humanitarian partners working in the country.
In a separate development, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Ambassador Monday Semaya K. Kumba, arrived in Tokyo on Tuesday, 20 August 2025, to participate in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).
Ambassador Monday was received at Narita International Airport by representatives of the Government of Japan, South Sudan’s Ambassador to Japan Victoria Samuel Aru, and staff from the South Sudanese embassy in Tokyo.
His visit is expected to strengthen bilateral ties between Juba and Tokyo and explore opportunities for expanded cooperation and investment.
The TICAD9 summit brings together African and Japanese leaders, development partners and the private sector to discuss economic development, peace and stability across the continent.
Current vs Planned Documentation for Refugees in South Sudan
| Aspect | Current Situation | Planned MRCTDs System |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Document | Paper-based refugee certificates or temporary ID | Machine Readable Convention Travel Document (MRCTD) |
| International Recognition | Limited recognition outside South Sudan | Globally recognised under ICAO standards |
| Durability and Security | Vulnerable to damage and forgery | Digital, secure, and harder to falsify |
| Freedom of Movement | Restricted, often requires special authorisation | Easier international travel and border crossing |
| Access to Services | Inconsistent, often questioned by authorities | Greater acceptance by government and partners |
| Support | Mainly local issuance with humanitarian help | UNHCR technical support and state-led system |
