Speaking during the meeting, Ambassador Kuol Nyok Kuol Arop on Monday met with representatives of S. Sudanese residing in Egypt -Photo credit| Courtesy

The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Egypt has renewed its call for South Sudanese nationals to comply with residency and immigration regulations amid rising cases of detention linked to expired or missing documents.

The appeal followed a high-level meeting on June 15 between Ambassador Kuol Nyok Kuol Arop and leaders of the South Sudanese community in Egypt, led by Santino Akot Deng.

Ambassador Arop said the Embassy is working with Egyptian authorities, the South Sudanese government, and the UN Refugee Agency to address legal and humanitarian concerns affecting citizens.

“The Embassy has continued its engagement with relevant authorities in both Egypt and South Sudan, as well as with UNHCR, to ensure that the situation of our citizens is addressed in a coordinated manner,” he said.

He added that diplomatic efforts had contributed to the release of several detained students and citizens, with negotiations ongoing in other cases.

“We are committed to ensuring that all South Sudanese citizens receive the necessary consular support and that no one is left without assistance,” he said.

The meeting discussed strengthening awareness on residency renewal requirements, improving cooperation with Egyptian authorities, and addressing cases involving individuals who entered Egypt irregularly during the Sudan conflict.

Community leader Santino Akot Deng urged citizens to comply with local laws.

“We urge all members of our community to comply with Egyptian regulations and ensure their documents are valid at all times. Cooperation is essential for our safety and stability here,” he said.

He also called for stronger support for vulnerable citizens through community structures, including women’s associations.

Participants further urged the South Sudanese government to consider facilitated return arrangements for citizens wishing to return home, and called on the International Organization for Migration to accelerate voluntary return programmes.

A community representative said many citizens were facing difficult conditions and required urgent support for safe and dignified return.

The Embassy also commended its consular section for continued visits to detention facilities, where officials provide assistance to detained nationals.

“These efforts have contributed to the release of a number of citizens, and we will continue working until all cases are properly addressed,” an Embassy official said.

The meeting concluded with a joint call for stronger coordination between the governments of South Sudan and Egypt to address challenges facing citizens affected by displacement linked to the Sudan conflict.