South Sudan’s National Social Insurance Fund (NSIF) has announced the implementation of a new administrative directive requiring employers and eligible workers to begin registration for social insurance from October 1, 2026.
The directive applies to private-sector employers and employees, as well as South Sudanese staff working with United Nations agencies, diplomatic missions and non-governmental organizations.
The NSIF announced the measure in a press conference on Monday while unveiling Administrative Circular No. 1-2026, issued to implement Public Circular No. 5-2026 from the Ministry of Labour on the registration and remittance of social insurance contributions.
Rambang Tot Deng, NSIF’s Spokesperson, said the announcement was intended to formally notify affected workers and employers of the new requirements.
“Implementation of Public Circular No. 5-2026 from the Minister of Labour and Directive on Registrations and Remittance to the National Social Insurance Fund. This circular is issued in accordance with power conferred to the NSIF Managing Director by Section 38 of National Social Insurance Fund 2026,” Deng said.
He added, “In reference to the Public Circular No. 5-2026 from the Minister of Labour directing remittance of NSRF contribution to the management of National Social Insurance Fund. The National Social Insurance Fund hereby issued the following orders.”
According to the circular, the implementation of Public Circular No. 5-2026 takes effect on September 30, 2026, while registration of contributors with the NSIF will begin on October 1.
The Fund has provided a three-month grace period for registration; after the grace period, penalties for late registration will apply in accordance with the National Social Insurance Fund Act, 2023.
“The registration of contributors with NSRF shall commence on 1 October 2026 with three months grace period,” the circular stated.
The NSIF also directed registered contributors to remit the required social insurance contributions after completing registration.
It warned that penalties would apply for late or non-remittance of contributions in accordance with the 2023 Act and applicable regulations.
The circular further directs employers to remit arrears withheld from workers’ salaries dating back to April 24, 2026.
“All arrears withheld by the employers from 24 April 2026 is hereby directed to be remitted to the National Social Insurance Fund,” the circular states.
The announcement comes amid continued debate over the implementation of the social insurance scheme.
In earlier September, oil workers’ unions petitioned the Court of Appeal challenging the implementation of Public Circular No. 5-2026.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Labour directed employers, including private companies, NGOs, UN agencies and diplomatic missions, to remit social insurance contributions directly to the NSIF, replacing an earlier arrangement under which employers retained and managed the contributions.
The NSIF, established under the National Social Insurance Fund Act, 2023, noted that its mandate is to provide social protection to eligible workers, including benefits related to retirement, employment injury, disability, survivors and maternity.
Deng urged employers and workers covered by the directive to comply with the new requirements.
“We want all the South Sudanese and particularly those that are working in the private sectors, South Sudanese that are working with UN agencies, South Sudanese that are working with diplomatic missions… and those that are working with non-governmental organizations” to take note of the legally issued document, he stated.
The Fund said detailed procedures on registration, designated accounts and remittance would be provided through its offices and official channels.
The NSIF headquarters is located at the Flora Building along Airport Road in Tongpiny Juba, where employers can access registration and other services.
