By Eileen Gould
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea – Papua New Guinean immigration officials state that the Foreign Affairs and Immigration Department lacks sufficient resources to prevent foreigners from entering the country.

As a result of an anti-Asian riot, which occurred last May, the government has undertaken an inquiry into Department practices, to determine just how a large number of foreigners received entry visas.

Last May’s riot in Port Moresby was started by a non-governmental group, who claimed that foreigners, who entered the country illegally, took jobs away from locals who would otherwise do them.

The protest sparked rioting and looting of Asian-owned stores.

The Parliamentary Bipartisan Committee has found that foreigners have been able to enter Papua New Guinea, secure employment, and start their own businesses.

Elias Woangu, the Deputy Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Trade, stated that the government only employs thirty officers to handle visa applications.  The lack of manpower makes it difficult to monitor individuals entering and leaving the country.

Papua New Guinea is currently home to approximately 15,000 illegal residents.

The Committee found that many foreigners have been able to bribe their way into the country.  Officials not following proper procedure have accepted bribes when issuing or renewing visas and passports.

Several officers have been penalized for this corrupt behavior.

The Deputy Secretary also noted that the lack of resources has made it difficult for the department to deport illegal immigrants and other individuals who have overstayed their visas.

Papua New Guinea does not have detention centers to hold illegal immigrants.
Mr. Woangu also told the Committee that citizens have threatened immigration officials who have tried to deport illegal immigrants.  In one instance, officials who attempted to deport a foreigner, who had married a local woman, but were subsequently threatened by his in-laws.

The Committee is due to conclude its investigation in two weeks.  At that time, it will report its findings to the Parliament and make recommendations for reforming immigration, labor, and business laws.

For more information, please see:
Pacific Media Center – PNG Parliamentary Committee “Shocked” at Immigration Corruption – 07 November 2009

Radio New Zealand – PNG Parliamentary committee “shocked” at immigration corruption – 06 November 2009

Sydney Morning Herald – PNG inquiry hears claims of Asian crime – 06 November 2009

The National – PNG citizens protecting aliens, inquiry told – 05 November 2009

Radio Australia News – No monitoring of visitors, PNG inquiry told – 05 November 2009