South Sudan is a young nation in East Africa brimming with cultural richness and untamed beauty. From the sprawling savannas of Boma National Park to the vibrant streets of Juba along the White Nile, the country’s landscape is reflected in the strength and determination of its people.
With a growing workforce in the digital and service sectors and a solid commitment to ongoing development, South Sudan presents an opportunity for companies seeking to hire employees for remote positions.
Key Takeaways:
- South Sudan’s young, English-speaking population and growing tech ecosystem are helping to create a new generation of skilled professionals.
- The country’s government initiatives to boost digital growth are fostering a promising space for remote work and freelance opportunities.
- With lower labor costs and straightforward hiring regulations, South Sudan stands out as a practical choice for hiring remote employees.
Advantages of Hiring in South Sudan
South Sudan has a workforce of 4.4 million people and more than 70% of South Sundanese residents are under 30, tech-savvy, and eager for remote work opportunities.
With a young, educated workforce and an economy projected to reach a GDP of USD 8.36 billion by 2029, South Sudan’s economic future looks bright.
Key stats about South Sudan include:
- Language: English
- Currency: South Sudanese Pound (SSP)
- Capital City: Juba
- Population: 12 Million
- Cost of Living Rank: 187th
Building a Skilled and Connected Workforce
South Sudan is actively investing in its digital infrastructure, leading to a 47.67% internet penetration rate, providing 1.87 million people with access to the internet.
Expanding internet access, particularly in cities like Juba, makes remote work a more viable option for residents.
In addition, the South Sudanese government is investing in STEM education and focusing on building digital skills among youth to promote a generation of innovators and creators.
South Sudanese remote talent is often skilled in:
- Information Technology
- Software Engineering
- Product Management
- Customer Support
- Digital Marketing
- Data Analysis
Employment Laws: Hiring Compliantly in South Sudan
Employment Contracts
Employment contracts in South Sudan may be written or oral, although a written agreement is recommended to clarify terms for both parties.
- Fixed-term contracts, with a set end date, are used when employment is needed only for a specific duration and should not exceed two years.
- Indefinite-term contracts continue until the employee or employer terminates them. If the agreement is written and doesn’t specify an end date, it’s indefinite.
- Task-based contracts are used to hire workers for a specific project or task and terminate once the work is complete.
Working Hours & Pay
The standard work week is 40 hours: five days a week, eight hours a day. Working overtime is voluntary and capped at three hours per day, with a maximum of 10 hours per week.
As of 2024, there is no official minimum wage in South Sudan.
Probation Periods
South Sudan limits probation periods to three months. Employers can terminate employment during this period without notice or severance pay if they provide a valid reason in writing.
Employer Taxes
Employers must contribute 17% of an employee's monthly gross salary to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) to support social programs such as pensions, disability, and survivor benefits.
Termination Process & Severance Pay
South Sudanese employers can terminate employment for reasons such as incapacity, poor performance, gross misconduct, or redundancy.
The required notice period ranges from one week for employees with less than six months of service to one month for those with one year of service or more.
Employees terminated due to redundancy who have worked at a company for at least one year are entitled to two weeks’ salary for each completed year of service.
Paid Leave Laws in South Sudan
Vacation and Holiday
Employees in South Sudan are entitled to paid annual leave, which increases with years of service.
- 1-3 years: 21 days
- 3-15 years: 25 days
- 15+ years: 30 days
In addition, paid public holidays for South Sudanese include:
- Independence Day
- Martyrs' Day
- Labour Day
- New Year's Day
- Eid-al-Fitr
- Good Friday
Sick Leave
Employees are typically eligible for 12 days of paid sick leave per year. However, employers may offer additional sick leave benefits as part of an employee’s compensation package.
Maternity Leave
In South Sudan, female employees receive 90 days of fully paid maternity leave, which starts immediately after childbirth. Employees should provide at least 14 days’ notice before starting their leave.
Paternity Leave
Male employees in South Sudan are eligible for two weeks of fully paid paternity leave, which must begin within three days of the child's birth.
South Sudan for Remote Workers
South Sudan doesn't have a specific digital nomad visa. Still, expats can stay for up to 90 days on a single-entry visa.
While the country’s digital nomad infrastructure is still developing, the capital city of Juba offers opportunities for expats to work remotely in its many cafes and co-working spaces.
Secondary cities like Wau and Malakal may be worth exploring for those seeking more affordable and quieter options. As South Sudan continues to invest in its infrastructure, these cities could eventually become remote workplace hotspots.
How to Pay Remote Workers in South Sudan
Paying remote workers in South Sudan can be managed through various methods, including bank transfers, digital platforms like Wise, and cryptocurrency.
However, navigating global payroll can be challenging for several reasons, including:
- Changes in exchange rates can impact worker earnings.
- Non-compliance with South Sudan's labor laws and regulations could result in legal issues and penalties.
- Manual payroll processing can be time-consuming and error-prone.
Partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR) can simplify the process and reduce risks. EOR services include payroll, taxes, and compliance matters, ensuring accurate and timely payments to your remote workers. This includes paying staff in their local currency.
Hire in South Sudan with RemoFirst
RemoFirst simplifies building international teams by managing all local employment compliance, onboarding, payroll, tax obligations, and employee benefits, including health insurance, on behalf of your company — eliminating the need to set up a local entity.
Book a demo to see how Remofirst can help you employ and manage global talent in South Sudan and 180+ other countries.
