PNG Citizenship

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Immigration & Citizenship, John Rosso made this call on the 48 PNG citizenship recipients today.  

“I know that for most of the recipients here today, it has been a long journey from the day they first lodged their citizenship application, until today when they will be finally receiving their certificates and approval documents.”

The awarding of 62 citizenship to West Papuans in Vanimo brings the total number of former West Papuans (now PNG citizens) to 1,352 since the Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) started the process of registration and citizenship for West Papuans in 2017.

“You have waited for all this time for 30 to 40 years and I would like to thank you for your patience,” Minister Thomas said during the citizenship award ceremony.

“The time has come and I am pleased, on behalf of the PNG Government, to formally recognise you as PNG citizens.”

This is in regards to PNG Citizenship registration for West Papuan Refugees.

Assistant Manager for the West Papua section, Refugee division, Elizabeth Gavara told Loop PNG that her office needs to find out the number of West Papuans living in the NGI region before they can work out dates and venues for the registration exercise.

“It’s important for all West Papuan Refugees living in the country to obtain PNG Citizenship status so they can have the same rights and have access to public services along with other  Papua New Guineans,” said Gavara.