South Sudan’s immigration chief has revealed corruption within the agency Tuesday, warning officers against accepting bribes to illegally issue passports and national documents to foreign nationals.
Maj. Gen. Elia Costa Faustino, the Director General for Civil Registry, Nationality, Passport, and Immigration, said some officers allegedly took bribes ranging from $100 to $200 to process marriage certificates, passports and nationality documents.
“When you exchange our documents for money, you are not just breaking the law — you are selling the nation,” Costa said during a ceremony for newly promoted personnel. “These actions undermine our national security and destroy the credibility of our civil registry.”
He said the corruption disadvantages South Sudanese citizens, who face delays while officers prioritize illegal shortcuts for money.
“Every shortcut taken for money pushes a rightful South Sudanese applicant to the back of the line,” Costa said. “That is unacceptable and deeply unpatriotic.”
The immigration chief said officers found engaging in corruption, forgery or document fraud would face disciplinary action and possible prosecution, and that rank would offer no protection.
“There will be consequences. Promotions do not shield anyone from the law,” he said.
Costa pledged tighter oversight and accountability measures as South Sudan continues to modernize its immigration systems.
The ceremony concluded with a call for newly promoted officers to serve as examples of professionalism and integrity.
Several sources within Juba’s immigration office told Radio Tamazuj that officers demand an extra $100 to $150 from citizens to fast-track passport renewals.
Corruption within South Sudan’s immigration service is partly attributed to low, delayed salaries and weak oversight, according to observers.