The Papua New Guinea Government plans to establish a policy of reciprocity in its visa arrangements with other countries, says Prime Minister James Marape.
Marape said that it was not directed specifically at the United States (U.S) which recently imposed a refundable visa bond of K88,000 (US$20,000) on PNG citizens travelling there.
But it will be part of a review of PNG’s immigration and visa policies in its dealings with other countries.
“If countries give Papua New Guineans Visa on Arrival, we will likewise consider giving their citizens Visa on Arrival,” he said.
“If they charge our citizens for visas, we will likewise apply appropriate visa charges.
“If they require Papua New Guineans to apply for a visa before travelling, then we will likewise apply similar requirements.
“This is not about closing Papua New Guinea to the world. We want more tourists, more investors, more business travelers and stronger people-to-people connections.
“But as our country grows and our international profile increases, our immigration and visa arrangements must also reflect mutual respect and reciprocity.”
A U.S State Department spokesperson said the USD$20,000 visa bond programme only applied to travelers visiting the U.S for business or tourism.
Marape described the U.S as an “important and longstanding friend and partner of PNG”.
“We respect its sovereign right to determine its immigration and visa policies,” he said.
“We will approach this matter respectfully and diplomatically.”
Marape added that for many ordinary Papua New Guineans, a bond running into tens of thousands of Kinas “is a considerable amount of money”.
Marape said the Government’s objective would be to understand the data and compliance issues relevant to US visas issued to Papua New Guineans and strengthen public awareness in PNG.
“A visa is not permission to remain indefinitely,” he said.
“The actions of a relatively small number of people who overstay can unfortunately have consequences for thousands of genuine Papua New Guineans,” he said.
