Dual citizenship can now be implemented: Pato

All legal and administrative requirements are now in order for the implementation of dual citizenship.

Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister, Rimbink Pato, says this is a historic moment for PNG.

“PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority have completed all work that is necessary for implementation of dual citizenship which will now enable people from the eight prescribed countries: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, United Kingdom, Germany and the United States of America to apply for appropriate dual citizenship options,” reveals the Minister.

“PNG is part of the globalised world and after 41 years, there are many reasons why we must be on par with the changes taking place in the world.”

There are two categories of people who can apply for dual citizenship. The first category covers people from the eight prescribed countries while the second is for PNG citizens opting to hold citizenship of another prescribed country, whilst still maintaining their PNG citizenship.

“For those who fall under the first category, there are six legislated pathways to choose from,” says Pato.

At this stage, the available dual citizenship options are:

  1. Citizenship by naturalisation – Sports person
  2. Citizenship by naturalisation – Investor
  3. Citizenship by naturalisation – Long term resident
  4. Citizenship by ‘marriage’ to a PNG citizen
  5. Citizenship by ‘descent’ for someone from a prescribed country who at least has one of his/her parent or grandparent is/was a PNG citizen.

The Minister says: “This process will also enable qualified and sports persons who may have connections to PNG by descent, marriage or long term resident, to be able to also represent the country in international sports events.

“Registration for births overseas is also mandatory and now has a more refined application form for parents of a child born overseas to complete, within 12 months of birth.

“It is important that a child born overseas is registered so that they qualify for PNG citizenship, if both parents are PNG citizens.”

Further information on dual citizenship is available online at www.immigration.gov.pg

Author: 
Press release