Barran Press
In a humanitarian gesture, the Yemeni Ministry of Interior announced on Sunday, July 14, 2024, that Sudanese nationals fleeing the ongoing conflict in their country will be granted visa-free entry and a two-year residency permit in Yemen.
According to an official document obtained by "Barran Press", Yemeni Interior Minister Ibrahim Haydan instructed the General Directorate of Immigration and Passports to exempt Sudanese citizens from visa requirements for entering Yemen.
The directive also extends a waiver of residency fees, granting Sudanese refugees a two-year residency permit, renewable upon ministerial approval.
Furthermore, Sudanese individuals who entered Yemen illegally after June 30, 2024, are given a three-month grace period to regularize their status, with past fines waived.
The directive mandates that all Sudanese arrivals obtain residency permits within three months of entering Yemen. Failure to renew these permits upon expiration will result in fines as per Yemeni law.
However, Sudanese individuals employed by companies or institutions for work and investment purposes are exempt from this requirement. Upon completion of their employment contracts, they will be subject to the same regulations as other foreign nationals.
The announcement comes as the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces continues to displace millions of people. The United Nations estimates that over 13,900 people have been killed in the conflict, and the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees is steadily increasing.
The UN reports that approximately 8.1 million people have been displaced within and outside of Sudan, with 6.3 million IDPs and 1.8 million refugees seeking refuge in neighboring countries.
This humanitarian initiative by the Yemeni government reflects a commitment to providing refuge and support to those affected by the conflict in Sudan. The visa-free entry and extended residency offer a lifeline to Sudanese refugees, providing them with a safe haven and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.