According to the statement seen by Nyamilepedia, the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of South Sudan welcomes the decision of Kenya to waive the visa entry restrictions for South Sudanese citizens.
” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on behalf of the R-TGONU welcomes the statement which is in line with directives made at the recent East African Community (EAC) Virtual Summit by both President Salva Kiir Mayardit and President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya in favour of visa waiver “, statement reads.
According to the statement, the concerned institution will start enforcing this decision as soon as possible to strengthen the existing relations between the two sisterly countries.
” And with in spirit of reciprocity and to further contribute in promoting the existing bilateral relations between South Sudan and Kenya, the Ministry of Interior as competent Institution through its Directorate of Nationality, Immigration and Passports will immediately operationalize the visa waiver as per this press statement”, it added.
Three days ago the Foreign Ministry of Kenya issued a statement waiving the requirements for obtaining visa entry to the Republic of Kenya for South Sudan citizens holding valid passports, a decision that was highly welcomed especially by South Sudanese politicians whose family reside between South Sudan and Kenya.
On the other hand, the decision was highly criticized by South Sudanese intellectuals who believe that opening up South Sudan to East African countries will lead to influx of highly qualified Kenyans and Ugandans into South Sudan that may hurt the citizens more.