Explainer: What is the difference between a Nationality Certificate and a National ID in South Sudan?

Writer: Emmanuel Bida Thomas

South Sudanese have recently sought clarification on the distinction between the Nationality Certificate and the National ID, both of which are issued by the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passports, and Immigration.

211 Check attempts to explain the differences between the two documents in the categories of definition, guiding laws, issuing authority, and validity in this short article.

Definitions: 

A “Nationality Certificate” is the document granted to a South Sudanese National who is eligible for national status in accordance with the provisions of Chapter III of the Nationality Act, 2011.

A “National ID” is a document issued to every South Sudanese of at least eighteen years of age for purposes of employment or as required by a “competent authority.”

Guiding laws:

The “Nationality Certificate” is issued in accordance with the provisions of the South Sudan Nationality Act, 2011.

“National ID” is issued in accordance with the provisions of the South Sudan Civil Registry Act, 2018.

Issuing authority:

The “Nationality Certificate” is processed at the Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Immigration and issued/signed by the Minister of Interior.

“National ID” is processed at the Directorate of Civil Registry and issued/signed by the Director of Nationality and Passports.

Validity:

The “Nationality Certificate” has a lifetime validity and it does not expire.

“National ID” has a five-year validity and expires just like a passport.

References:

To read more about the Nationality Certificate and National ID, kindly refer to:

The South Sudan Nationality Act, 2011

The South Sudan Civil Registry Act, 2018