Many foreigners working in the country have no proper work permits.
Northern Governor Garry Juffa raised this issue in Parliament today asking the Minister for Labour Benjamin Poponawa whether there are some guidelines to deal with such issues.
He told Parliament that about 90 percent of foreigners in his province have no proper work permits and can't speak English.
He also pointed out that the required mandatory three year training plan for companies employing expatriates were not bring enforced.
He said most companies have never met the three year transfer of skills in the country.
He said this is common practice in all provinces and not only in Oro.
Juffa added that jobs like welders, drivers, carpenters, mechanics and others were supposed to be filled by Papua New Guineans and not expatriates.
He asked Poponawa whether inspections and other required necessary information have been complied with before issuing the work permits to expatriates.
"Isn't English the fundamental criteria before the work permit is being issued?" Juffa asked.
Poponawa in response said it is a big issue his ministry is trying his best to address this issue in the country.
He said it is not the work of the Department of Labour only but provincial leaders should also help in address this issue.
He is calling on all provincial Governors and MPs to help and report such practises in their provinces and districts and help our people.
Poponawa also pointed out that some enforcement agencies were compromising their job and allowing expatriates to work illegally in the country.
He also highlighted that some leaders, especially MPs are also supporting these expatriates to work illegally in the country.
Poponawa said his ministry will be looking into this issues and enforce the law on those illegal expatriates.
He also pointed out that the Ministry has limited funds and capacity to carry out its’ work effectively.