South Sudan government has raised the fees of expatriate’s work permits in the private sector, a move that is expected to fill the state’s coffers amid the economic crisis caused by political instability and the plunge in oil prices at the world market.

A circulation by Ministry of Labour, Public Service and Human Resource Development indicated that the new raise in the fee will take effect from the date of signature. The new charges for expatraite will be $10,000 for cooperate and business class while blue collar job will go for $2000 and the casual Labour goes for $1000.

South Sudan’s expatriate population has rapidly grown since 2005. They own vast majority of businesses mainly in the capital Juba.

Economic experts say the move could benefit the nationals who will be able to compete for jobs with expatriates, especially in managerial positions but will also drive away investors and inturn affects the national.

Majority of expatriates in Juba are worried that the new work permit fee structure will discourage them from doing business in the country and they urge the government to reconsider.