By Nakwam Rose
At least 17 South Sudanese nationals are preparing to begin formal employment in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A dispatch briefing for the group took place, on Friday, April 11, 2025, in Juba.
The event saw the attendance of high-level government officials, including Ambassador Wol Mayar Ariec, Director of Middle East and Gulf Countries at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Justin Jada, Director of Labour and Industrial Relations, representing Mary Hillary Wani, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Labour.
The selected candidates are set to work in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in companies that have entered into formal partnerships with Gaani Study Abroad consultancy, a South Sudanese-owned company expanding reliable educational opportunities and promoting dignified overseas employment.
The first batch comprises bike riders and cable pullers. The initiative aligns with ongoing government efforts to create more employment opportunities for South Sudanese citizens through structured and legal pathways.
“This is more than a deployment; it’s a demonstration of what’s possible when young South Sudanese are equipped, prepared, and linked to global opportunities,” said David Gaaniko Daniel, CEO of Gaani Study Abroad.
“We are committed to ensuring that this becomes a model of success that transforms families and inspires national policy toward diaspora workforce development,” he added.
In his remarks, Justin Jada, director of Labour and Industrial Relations, at the Ministry of Labor, emphasized the importance of creating decent work for the South Sudanese.
He tasked the group to embark on employee-employer relations while at their assignment locations.
“We are pleased to have been involved in this process from the start. What we see today is the fruit of collaboration between government, private enterprise, and young citizens willing to explore international opportunities in a formal way,” he noted.
“We encourage you the candidates to be aware of cultural practice over and ensure that all adhere to legal and ethical standards,”
Meanwhile, Amb. Wol Mayar Ariec applauded the initiative, highlighting the Ministry’s support for structured migration that protects workers and ensures bilateral cooperation.
“We in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs view this as a significant step to better lives. We need to ensure our citizens demonstrate professionalism and respect. There are accepted practices of the employment and they should be demonstrated,” he stated.
“Our role as a Ministry is to protect South Sudanese interests abroad, and we are glad to see such initiatives taking root,” he added.
He further urges the group to be diplomatic while on their jobs, saying that, saying “You’re not going there to trouble your employer,”
The 17 workers will depart in the coming days.