Newly Appointed Immigration Chief Promises Expedited Nationality and Passport Procedures

By Denilson Deneki

Maj. Gen. Simon Majur Pabek, the newly appointed Director General of Civil Registry Immigration, Passport, and Nationality, has assumed office on Thursday, February 1st 2024. 

Speaking during the reception at the office, he addressed several pressing issues and outlined his plans for the future.

“We are currently facing issues with booklets, IDs, and other hardware and software within ICT. As a team, we are determined to tackle these matters soon,” Pabek Stated. 

He acknowledged the loss of many officers due to welfare issues, such as sicknesses like Hepatitis, and emphasized the need to address these concerns as a top priority. 

Maj. Gen. Pabek also clarified his intentions for returning to the institution after a six-year absence.

“I am not here to take revenge against anyone. I left this institution due to a problem with someone, but I am here to finish the job I didn’t complete. I am confident that I will finish my job and leave with my head held high, without any grudges against anyone,” he said.

Furthermore, he urged police officers to respect the law and adhere to the code of conduct and professional ethics. He assured his commitment to cooperate and work hand in hand with the Inspector General of Police office to achieve the common goals of police leadership and contribute to the development of the entire South Sudan.

In response to Major General Majur’s appointment, General Atem Marol Biar, the Inspector General of Police of the South Sudan National Police Service, emphasized the importance of accountability, transparency, and honesty in the department. He acknowledged the professionalism and intelligence of the officers in the unit but warned that leadership skills were crucial for survival. 

“If you are not capable of managing them, they may overthrow you,” General Biar cautioned.

Gen. Biar also urged Major General Majur to deploy officers to foreign missions promptly, highlighting the challenging nature of the task. 

“This department is the toughest and most difficult. As you start your new role, it’s a hot seat for any leader who takes over from this office,” he said. 

Gen. Biar advised Major General Majur to collaborate with all staff members, from support staff to high-ranking officers, and to be cautious of officers who may mislead others and disrupt the workplace. 

He stressed the importance of treating everyone equally and dealing with such officers administratively.

Reflecting on his own tenure, General Biar shared his experience of overcoming challenges related to lobbying and tribalism. He encouraged Major General Majur to prioritize capacity-building training for officers and emphasized the need for fairness and transparency in officer deployment. 

“Don’t deploy a person who will tarnish the image of your leadership. Balance is key,” he advised.

Major General James Monday Enoka, the Commissioner of Police for Eastern Equatoria State, also expressed his support for Major General Majur. He described the department as the sovereignty of the country and emphasized the need for collaboration with the people of South Sudan and developmental partners to achieve success. 

Major General Enoka urged all officers to support Major General Majur and emphasized the importance of teamwork. He also called on Major General Majur to create a better working environment for all staff, as their happiness and satisfaction are essential for effective service delivery.

Major General Majur acknowledged the challenges ahead and stressed the importance of being both a manager and a leader. 

“Responsibility is a challenge, and I will provide the skills required to navigate through tough times,” he concluded.

In his new role, Major General Majur aims to streamline the nationality and passport processes, address welfare issues, and foster a cooperative and efficient working environment within the institution.