JUBA — South Sudan’s Directorate of Immigration, Passport, and Citizenship has halted what it described as “silent search” operations targeting migrants, following concerns over the treatment of foreign nationals in the country.
The controversial “Silent Search” operations were conducted to verify migrants’ credentials and immigration status.
The move has raised serious concerns over the legality, conduct, and oversight of the searches.
The directive is expected to suspend the ongoing checks as authorities review the procedures and assess their compliance with the law.
In an order seen by Sudans post, the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passports, and Immigration has instructed all immigration stations and state offices across South Sudan to suspend “Aliens Credential Check” or “Silent Search” operations until further notice.
“These checks involve verifying foreigners’ work permits, passports, and immigration status. The term “Silent Search” refers to the deployment of plainclothes police officers to conduct these checks, an approach that some foreign nationals have reported can lead to harassment,” it said.
In an August 25 directive signed by Director General Lt. Gen. Achol Cyier Rehan, the Directorate said the exercise requires broader consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, foreign embassies, and other relevant authorities.
The directive mandates that such operations must first receive approval from the Interior Minister and the Inspector General of Police.
It explicitly states that no such approval has been issued and orders police stations and state offices not to initiate, participate in, or facilitate these operations until further notice.
“This is to inform all state directors and stations that the search operation concerning the ‘aliens’ credential check known as ‘Silence Search’ is a national initiative and, therefore, requires wider consultation and coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, foreign embassies, and other relevant authorities.”
It further stated, “Such an initiative must receive the necessary approval and authorization from the minister of interior and the inspector general of police (IGP) before any related activities are undertaken. As of the date of this communication, no approval or authorization for the conduct of such an operation has been issued by the competent authorities.”
“Accordingly, all police stations and states are hereby directed to suspend and refrain from initiating, participating in, or facilitating any such search or related activities until further directives are issued by this office.”
“All concerned authorities are required to comply with this directive and ensure that no unauthorized action is taken,” it said.
Further instructions will be communicated through appropriate channels upon completion of the necessary consultations and approvals.
