All non-citizens who seek employment in the private sector in Papua New Guinea must possess a valid work permit before they can commence employment. The work permit must be granted by the Papua New Guinea Department of Labour and Industrial Relations (DLIR) in accordance with the Employment of Non-citizens Act 2007.
The work permit application must be accompanied by a training and localisation program in accordance with the Employment of Non-Citizens Act of Papua New Guinea. This is to monitor the entry of all immigrants into Papua New Guinea, guide decision-makers on whether or not to approve the positions in which immigrants can work, and it ensures that there is a program for the transfer of skills to Papua New Guinean citizens.
Each work permit is for a particular job/position and is generally valid for a period of three years. During that period, it is possible to replace the employee working in that position without obtaining approval for a new employee.
Under Section 26(1(a) of the Employment of Non-Citizens Act 2007, the Secretary of Labour and Industrial Relations may take into account an employer’s commitment to the training and development of Papua New Guinean workers when considering an application to renew a work permit.
Further information on work permit matters can be obtained from the Foreign Employment Division of the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations at www.workpermits.gov.pg. Labels: Work Permit