Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he has raised the increase in the cost of work permits for foreign workers in South Sudan with the South Sudanese Government.

We are concerned by the increasingly challenging environment for foreign workers in South Sudan, especially those working for humanitarian organisations and aid agencies. The continued obstruction of their work by the Government of South Sudan is particularly troubling following the declaration of famine in parts of Greater Unity State. The proposal to increase the cost of work permits will hinder their response. In light of the desperate situation, we are planning together with our international partners urgently to raise these issues with the Government of South Sudan.