Employment relations in Papua New Guinea are governed by the Employment Act 1978 and the Employment of Non-Citizens Act 2007. The purpose of the Employment of Non-Citizens Act is to provide a balance between the needs of the economy for foreign labour and the employment aspirations of Papua New Guineans by:
(a) assisting business to attract and retain the services of qualified, skilled and experienced non-citizens without unnecessary impediments, and
(b) promoting a work permit system that contributes to the creation of employment, training and skills-acquisition opportunities for all Papua New Guineans.
Residency and Employment Visas
Employment and multiple-entry business visas must be obtained from Papua New Guinea missions and posts abroad, with prior approval from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will not issue residency or employment visas:
· to foreign company directors or shareholders unless they can produce an IPA certificate in the name of the company concerned, or
· to foreign owners of a business unless they can produce an IPA certificate in their own name, and
· that they can produce proof of the registration of a company or business name, as the case may be.
If a foreign individual trading in his/her own right applies for a residency or employment visa, he/she should supply a certified copy of the Business Name Certificate and the application form.
The obligation to satisfy the Department of Foreign Affairs requirements rests with the applicant for the visa. Applicants who cannot supply the necessary details will not be issued a visa.
People wanting to visit Papua New Guinea for business reasons must obtain a business visa with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Immigration of Papua New Guinea. Business visitors to Papua New Guinea are able to obtain 60-day visas upon arrival at Jacksons International Airport, Port Moresby.
The business visa is valid for only 60 days but can be renewed thereafter. It is also important to note that a return ticket to one’s country of origin is necessary in order for a business visa to be issued.
Labels: Contractors, Immigration, Work Permit