Officers beef up migration fort

Recent changes to the Migration Act have beefed up the ability of the PNG Immigration & Citizenship Service Authority to locate and detain foreign nationals who are unlawfully staying in the country.

Acting Chief Migration officer, Solomon Kantha made these remarks after successful completion of five weeks of international security escort training for immigration, Police (RPNGC) and Correctional Service officers.

Kantha in a statement said the changes also provide for the reasonable use of force where required to achieve outcomes.

“The training focussed on techniques to manage the removal of people by air, ensuring the orderly, safe and dignified departure of unlawful-non-citizens.

“Delivering skills in risk-management, the application of various lawful and reasonable levels of force required in different situations, and effective liaison with airlines and law enforcement authorities, the training was a first for PNG” he said.

“I am keen that we keep our border secure by ensuring we understand our powers and use them lawfully and effectively. This will enable PNG immigration and its partner agencies to more actively and effectively enforce the Migration Act,” he said.

The training was provided by C5 Strategic Security Services, and funded by the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection. 

Author: 
Freddy Mou