On 19 August 2011, the Government's of Papua New Guinea and Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding in relation to the opening of a Refugee Assessment Centre in Manus Province.  A copy of the MoU is available here: Signed MoU

Media statements from the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration in relation to the Manus centre can be accessed here: Statement 1  Statement 2

Update To Entry Visa Procedures

From 1 July 2011, the Business category will comprise the following:

• *New Visa Class - Short-term Single entry:

• Persons entering PNG for a single visit (to attend business meetings, board meetings, conferences, conduct an exploratory business visit or participate in business negotiation). Available on arrival for eligible passport holders, or on application at any PNG Diplomatic Mission before travel, thirty (30) days stay validity per visa, employment prohibited, extension of this visa prohibited. A fee of K250 is payable with each visa/entry.

  *Revised - Short-term Multiple entry:

• Persons entering PNG on multiple visits during a single twelve month period (to attend business meetings, board meetings, conferences, conduct an exploratory business visit or participate in business negotiation). Application at any PNG Diplomatic Mission only, not available on arrival, twelve months validity from date of first entry, sixty days stay validity per visit, employment prohibited, extension of this visa for stays beyond sixty (60) days prohibited. A fee of K500 will apply for each visa. 

UPDATE - REFORMS IN THE PNG IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP SERVICE 

As Acting Chief Migration Officer for the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service it is my pleasure to provide an update to members of the public on some of the very important reforms being progressed by our agency.  In doing so I would like to acknowledge the hard work and support of all the staff who work in the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority (PNGICS). 

Implementation of Statutory Authority Arrangements

As members of the public and business community would be aware, the Government has been working actively to reform the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service so that it can act as an enabler for economic growth.

It has become apparent that the Business Entry Permit continues to be abused by non-citizens seeking to work in Papua New Guinea illegally.

As a consequence, effective immediately, the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service will no longer entertain applications for extension of Business Entry Permits.

This policy decision has been made in anticipation of forthcoming legislative amendments which have been endorsed by the National Executive Council.

The PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service (PNGICS) is responsible for managing Papua New Guinea’s borders in relation to the movement of persons into and out of the country. This work includes visa processing, integrity checking and compliance and enforcement activities. In addition, the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service is responsible for assessing and issuing applications for PNG Passports and supporting the Citizenship Advisory Committee in relation to application for PNG Citizenship.

On this website you will find a range of information in relation to the work of the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service, including information about visa requirements together with necessary application forms. PNGICS encourages all visitors to make use of this website as an important information resource.

As part of its drive to enhance levels of client service, PNGICS will shortly be commencing a six week client service survey. The purpose of the survey is to measure and assess current perceptions of client service while at the same time seeking ideas and views about where improvements can be made.

If you would like to participate in the survey, please visit our client service counter at Moale Haus to collect a survey form or you can download it below.

All completed forms should be placed in the dedicated survey collection boxes in Moale Haus.

 Download Client Survey 2010

PNG Immigration and Citizenship Becomes a Statutory Authority

 Download Public Notice on Statutory Authority  

In my public notice earlier this year, I outlined a range of initiatives being undertaken by the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service (PNGICS) to enhance levels of client service and operational efficiency. In particular, I provided information regarding the transition of the PNGICS to an independent, self accounting statutory authority.