For the information of Employers and Employees in PNG.
Prepared by: Foreign Employment Division, Department of Labour & Industrial Relations, PNG.
Updated August 2006.
1. What is a work permit?
A work permit is a legal permission for a non-citizen to work in PNG. Work permits are granted by the Secretary of the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations for a specific job in a specific company or organisation for a specified period of time.
2. Can anyone apply for a Work Permit?
Anyone can apply for a work permit, however before application can be made, a non-citizen must have been offered a job with a company or organisation operating in PNG
Applicants must be aged between 23 & 65 at the time of application and be able to demonstrate that they have appropriate levels of skill and qualifications to undertake the position for which they have been recruited. Where an applicant cannot prove they have relevant skills, qualifications and experience, or where an applicant does not meet the age requirement, the application may be refused.
3. How can I apply for a work permit?
Both the Employer and the Employee need to complete the prescribed application form and provide all supporting documentation. If the employee is from a non-English speaking background then independent evidence of English ability (results of an English language test) must be provided with the application. Copies of other documentation (such as educational qualifications) must be certified as correct by a Justice of the Peace or similar Notary.
4. How long will it take to process my application?
Application processing times vary. However, the Foreign Employment Division endeavors to process all applications within 21 working days. Of course, if an application is incomplete or does not contain necessary supporting documentation then this can significantly delay processing times.
5. What is the lodgment checklist?
To assist applicants, a lodgment checklist has been developed. The checklist must be completed and attached to each application.
6. How long will my work permit be valid?
That depends on the length of contract with your employer. Long term work permits are only issued for the duration of contract up to a maximum period of three years. Short-term work permits are issued for 6 to 12 months and may be extended.
7. Can I renew my Work Permit if I renew my contract?
Yes, however both the employer and employee must submit an application for renewal and provde all required supporting documentation. There are certain requirements in relation to repatriation - please contact the Foregin Employment Division of further information
8. Can I change employment?
Yes, but you must be repatriated by your current employment out of PNG before a new work permit can be issued. You will need to meet all requirements before the new work permit can be granted.
9. How much is the application fee?
Currently, the application fee is K2000. An administration fee of K50 applies for each short-term work permit extension.
10. Is the fee refundable if an application is refused?
No, however the fee may be used in relation to another application for the same position.
11. Can a Work Permit be cancelled?
Yes. The Secretary has the power to cancel a work permit in certain circumstances such as where it is found that the information in an application contained false or misleading information or where there has been contravention of the work permit. Once a work permit is cancelled, details will be referred to Immigration for Entry Permit cancellation.
12. Is a decision by the Secretary to cancel a Work Permit reviewable?
Yes. Any decision to cancel a work permit can be appealed to the Minister for Labour and Industrial Relations, provided that the request for review is made within 14 days of the decision to cancel.
13. Once I have a Work Permit do I still need to get a visa?
Yes. Once a work permit is granted application must be made to the Immigration and Citizenship Division (ICD) of the Department of Trade, Foreign Affairs and Immigration for a Working Resident Entry Permit. All decisions in relation to Entry Permits are made in accordance with the Migration Act 1976 and just because a work permit has been issued this does not mean that an Entry Permit will automatically be granted.
Further information on Entry Permit is available from the ICD, located next door to the Foreign Employment Division in Moale Haus in NCD. ICD can be contacted by telephone on (675) 323 1500.
14. Can my dependent/spouce obtain a Work Permit?
Yes, in limited circumstances where your dependent or spouse is qualified to work in the areas of Education or Health. Please contact the Foreign Employment Division for further information.
15. Is "overlapping" employment allowed?
Yes, where an employee leaves a position and another is recruited to replace them, approval for the two employees to "overlap" may be granted for one month. this only applies to certain industries. Please contact the Foreign Employment Division for further information.
16. What if I am the owner of a company, do I still need to get a work permit?
Yes, even if you are the owner of a company and/or self employed you must obtain a work permit. You must also ensure that you have registered the companny with the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA). IPA can be contacted on (675) 321 7311 or via at http://www.ipa.gov.pg
17. What if I my contract is just for a few months - do I still need a Work Permit?
Yes, but you may be eligible for a short-term work permit. Please contact the Foreign Employment Division for further information.
18. I have a business entry permit - does that mean I can work in PNG?
No. The Business Entry Permit issued by the Immigration and Citizenship Division (ICD) is only for the purpose of conducting genuine business activities. A Business Entry Permit does not allow employment in PNG.
19. What if I get caught working without a work permit?
Persons caught working without a valid work permit will be penalised to the maximum extent of the law. At present, employers can be penalised K5,000 for each breach. Employees can also be penalised and may be subject to exclusion from working in PNG in future.
20. Where can I get additional information?
Additional information may assist you in understanding the legal requirements to hold a work permit:
- The Employment of Non-Citizens Act 1978;
- the Employment of Non-Citizens Regulation 1983; and
- the Work Permit Guidelines (2000).
These legislation can be downloaded free of charge from here
21. What if a I have further questions?
If you have any further questions we would be pleased to assist during client service days. At present, our client service counter is open each Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 12pm. You may also contact our office by telephone on (675) 323 2911.
About the Author
The Foreign Employment Division (FED) of Department of the Labour & Industrial Relations in Papua New Guinea is responsible for the issuance of all Work Permits in PNG to non-citizens intending to or want to work in PNG. The Foreign Employment Division can be visited at the ground floor of Moale Haus, Melanesian Way Waigani 131 NCD. There telephone number is (675) 325 2911 or Facsimile (675) 325 6655. They can also be emailed on enquiries[earth]workpermits[dot]gov[dot]pg