Israel’s Interior Ministry has called on the National Immigration Authority to return illegal immigrants from South Sudan to their country of origin.

Many illegal immigrants from South Sudan sought refuge from Islamic genocide and a better economic forecast in Israel during the sectarian violence that marred the African nation in recent years.

However, following the declaration of the independence of South Sudan and its accession to the United Nations as a full-member state, Interior Ministry officials say it is time for them to go home.

What’s more, from February 1 to March 31, 2012, the NIA will grant citizens of South Sudan who want to return home voluntarily, an assistance package including a grant of 1,000 Euros per person.

NIA officials have sought to publicize the assistance package in Israel’s South Sudanese population, including media broadcasts and distributing leaflets.

They also clarified that as of 1 April 2012 financial assistance will no longer be available and illegal aliens from South Sudan can expect legal action will be taken against them.

Israel has a growing population of illegal immigrants from African nations who have crossed through Egypt and the Sinai unopposed to find work and safe-haven in Israel.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced late last year he planned to visit African nations in 2012 to arrange the return of their citizens.

Israeli officials have also demanded Cairo step up its border patrols and stop illegal immigrants from using Egypt as a land-bridge to reach Israel.

The government has allocated additional funds to complete the Sinai border fence by the end of 2012, as well.