The National Social Insurance Fund (NSIF) in South Sudan has directed employers to register workers and remit social insurance contributions, effective October 1, 2026. This move applies to private sector employers and employees, as well as South Sudanese working for UN agencies, diplomatic missions, and NGOs. The directive is based on Public Circular No. 5-2026 issued by the Minister of Labour. Employers and employees will be required to contribute to the fund, with a combined contribution of 25 percent.
According to Rambang Tot Deng, spokesperson for the NSIF, the registration of contributors will commence on October 1, 2026, with a three-month grace period. After the grace period, penalties for late registration will apply as per the National Social Insurance Fund Act 2023. The fund has also instructed registered contributors to remit the required contributions after completing registration, warning of penalties for late or non-remittance. This initiative aims to provide social insurance coverage to workers in the country.
The contribution to the NSIF will be shared between employers and employees, with employers required to contribute 8 percent and employees 17 percent. Kur Ayuen Kou, Policy Advisor to the NSIF, explained that the Act stipulates these percentages, making a combined contribution of 25 percent. The fund has also directed employers to remit arrears withheld from employees dating back to April 24, 2026. This move is expected to provide financial security to workers in the country.
The announcement has come amid concerns from some employers and stakeholders over the implementation of the social insurance scheme. There have been reports of opposition to the scheme, including a court case involving petroleum-sector employers. However, Kur Ayuen Kou stated that the NSIF had not been officially served with any legal proceedings. The fund remains ready to address concerns through its administrative mechanisms before matters proceed to court.
According to Kur Ayuen Kou, cases where employers had not previously deducted contributions from workers will be addressed individually. The NSIF will engage with such employers on a case-by-case basis to resolve the issues. This approach aims to ensure a smooth implementation of the social insurance scheme.
The NSIF has spent recent months developing legislation, regulations, policies, and systems before moving ahead with implementation. The fund is also developing a digital system that will allow individual contributors to track their social insurance contributions and deductions. This digital platform is expected to enhance transparency and accountability in the management of the fund.
The NSIF has urged employers and eligible workers to comply with the new registration requirements, with registration opening on October 1 and a three-month grace period before penalties for late registration take effect. The fund remains committed to providing social insurance coverage to workers in South Sudan and addressing concerns from employers and stakeholders.
Key points
- The National Social Insurance Fund will start registering workers and remitting social insurance contributions on October 1, 2026.
- Employers and employees will contribute 25 percent to the fund, with employers contributing 8 percent and employees 17 percent.
- The fund will develop a digital system to allow contributors to track their social insurance contributions and deductions.
