A 20-year-old man from India has apologised in court for overstaying in the country.
Rajvir Singh arrived in the country on 6 November, 2016, on a 30-day visa. He remained in hiding at East Boroko, Port Moresby, till he was apprehended by police on 10 February.
He was charged under section 16 (1)(a)of the Migration Act; a charge that has a penalty fine not exceeding K5000 or a custodial sentence of 6 months.
He overstayed his visa for 2 months and 4 days.
Singh appeared before the Waigani District Court today where his charge was read and explained to him.
He pleaded guilty and apologised to Magistrate John Kaumi and the court for remaining illegally in the country.
He asked the court to impose a fine of K1,500 on him as his penalty sentence and have him deported back to India.
Speaking through an interpreter in court, Singh said it's his first time in a foreign country.
Police prosecution asked the court to impose a tougher penalty as a deterrence for other foreigners who come into the country and overstay their visa.
They however, did not object to deportation as asked by Singh.
Singh will return to court next week where the court will hand down his sentence.
He remains in custody at the Waigani Police Station.
(Picture: Waigani District Court)