South Sudan gives training to over 60 immigration officers

November 8, 2010 (JUBA) – At least 60 immigration officers on Monday completed one week long training on management and leadership skills in south Sudan’s regional capital of Juba.

Sudan’s south may become independent through a referendum process due to begin in January.

Speaking at the closing session, Acuil Tito, Inspector General of South Sudan’s police service thanked the regional ministry of finance and economic planning for funding and facilitating the training.

He said he was delighted the training had taken place and expressed hope that the officers will put into practice what they have learnt.

“I believe this training is one of the most effective trainings you have been exposed to in recent years and we really appreciate your efforts, and we hope this will mark the beginning of a fruitful cooperation,” said General Acuil.

He advised the officers to make best use of the information and skills they have learnt and also to disseminate the knowledge gained to those that were not present at the training.

Reminding them about an adage that says ‘to whom much is given, much is expected’ he also urged donor agencies to emulate government by sponsoring projects that can develop the capacity of armed and security personnel for effective service delivery.

Salvatore Garang Mabiordit, an undersecretary in the ministry of finance said the successful completion of the training programme has demonstrated the effectiveness of the admirable tenacity and willingness of both the trainees and trainers who have been involved in the programme.

He pointed out that the importance of their functions as senior officials of the Immigration Department cannot be overemphasized.

“However, it should be noted that effective leaders carry out their skills by applying their leadership attributes such as beliefs, values, ethics, character, knowledge and skills.”

“Your collective participation as leaders of the department of Immigration in the process of implementing the necessary foundations for the department would ensure the expedite realization of both its short and long-term objectives,” said Mabiordit.

According to Mabiordit, the move towards electronic-based data management projects and other initiatives by the Immigration Department under the guidance of the Ministry of Internal affairs has compelled for more innovative means to be resorted into training immigration officers to enhance their skills and competence in the execution of their duties.

Moses Alfred acting deputy director in immigration department said the importance of capacity building cannot be overemphasized, noting that the greater challenge lies ahead.

“You must not only apply these skills and knowledge acquired but you must have to share and assist those of your colleagues and subordinates who are not fortunate to attend this programme,” he said.

He asserted that the immigration department will look forward to a continued collaboration with other institutions particularly in the area of capacity development of this nature.

“We are confident that such refresher courses will not only bridge the capacity gaps in the civil service but also improve the overall performance standard of the public service,” he concluded.

Samson Alfonse, a course co-coordinator, said that history has recorded an interesting evolution of the immigration system, adding that at independence in 1956, an Immigration Act was formulated to enhance the control measure of the police.

“The head of the Immigration under the law was the principal immigration officer but still remained within police security services. In the ensuing years, as more and more responsibility was being placed on the unit, it expanded into a division, and by early 1980, the entry points for the control of immigration increased to 15,” he revealed.

The south may become an independent country in July after January’s referendum.

(ST)