Lt. General Achol Cyier, the newly appointed Director General of the Civil Registry, Nationality, Passport and Immigration - Courtesy

The South Sudan National Police Service has ordered all immigration authorities across the country to suspend the “Silence Search” exercise used to verify foreigners’ credentials.

In a directive dated August 25, 2026, the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passports and Immigration said the operation is a national initiative that requires wider consultation and coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, foreign embassies, and other relevant authorities.

The directive says any such operation must first be approved and authorized by the Minister of Interior and the Inspector General of Police.

According to the Director General of the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passports and Immigration, Lt. Gen. Achol Cyier Rehan, no approval or authorization for the exercise had been issued as of the date of the directive.

The police instructed all concerned authorities to ensure that no unauthorized action is taken.

The Directorate said further instructions will be issued through the appropriate channels after the consultations and required approvals are completed.

The directive was copied to the Minister of Interior, the Inspector General of Police and the relevant police file.