Work permits and visas in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea (PNG) offers a diverse range of opportunities for foreign professionals and skilled workers. Navigating the country's visa and work permit system is crucial for both employers and employees to ensure compliance with immigration laws. Understanding the different visa categories, application processes, and ongoing obligations is essential for a smooth and legal employment experience in PNG. This guide provides an overview of the key aspects of PNG's work permit and visa regulations in 2025.

Securing the right visa and work permit is the first step to legally working in PNG. The PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) is responsible for regulating immigration matters and issuing visas and work permits. Foreign nationals intending to work in PNG must obtain a work permit before commencing employment. This typically requires sponsorship from a PNG-registered employer. The specific requirements and processes vary depending on the type of visa and work permit being sought.

Common Visa Types for Foreign Workers

Several visa types cater to foreign workers seeking employment in Papua New Guinea. Here's an overview of the most common categories:

• Employment Visa: This is the most common type of visa for skilled workers and professionals seeking long-term employment in PNG. It requires sponsorship from a PNG-registered employer.
• Short-Term Employment Visa: Suitable for individuals undertaking short-term assignments, projects, or consultancy work in PNG. The validity is typically limited to a few months.
• Special Exemption Visa (SEV): Used for specialized or highly skilled individuals who are urgently required for specific projects or tasks. This visa has a shorter processing time but stricter eligibility criteria.
• Business Visa: Allows foreign nationals to conduct business activities, such as attending meetings, conferences, and negotiations, but does not permit direct employment.

Visa Type	Purpose	Validity	Typical Processing Time
Employment Visa	Long-term employment	Up to 3 years	4-8 weeks
Short-Term Employment Visa	Short-term assignments, projects, consultancy	Up to 3 months	2-4 weeks
Special Exemption Visa	Urgent, specialized projects	Up to 2 months	1-2 weeks
Business Visa	Business activities (meetings, conferences, negotiations)	Up to 3 months	1-2 weeks

Work Permit Application Requirements and Procedures

The work permit application process in PNG involves several steps and requires careful preparation of documents. Here's a breakdown of the key requirements and procedures:

1. Employer Sponsorship: The applicant must have a job offer from a PNG-registered employer who is willing to sponsor the work permit application.

2. Labor Market Testing: The employer must demonstrate that there are no suitably qualified PNG citizens available to fill the position. This often involves advertising the position locally.

3. Skills Assessment: Depending on the occupation, the applicant may need to undergo a skills assessment to verify their qualifications and experience.

4. Documentation: Required documents typically include:

   • Passport copy
   • Educational qualifications
   • Professional certifications
   • Employment references
   • Medical certificate
   • Police clearance certificate
   • Job offer letter
   • Employer's registration documents

5. Application Submission: The employer submits the work permit application to the ICA on behalf of the employee.

6. Fees: Work permit fees vary depending on the visa type and duration.

7. Interview: The ICA may require the applicant to attend an interview as part of the assessment process.

8. Approval: If the application is approved, the ICA will issue a work permit, allowing the foreign national to legally work in PNG.

Requirement	Description
Employer Sponsorship	PNG-registered employer must sponsor the work permit application.
Labor Market Testing	Employer must demonstrate that no qualified PNG citizens are available for the position.
Skills Assessment	May be required to verify qualifications and experience.
Documentation	Passport, qualifications, references, medical certificate, police clearance, job offer, employer details.
Application Submission	Employer submits application to the ICA.
Fees	Vary depending on visa type and duration.
Interview	May be required by the ICA.

Pathways to Permanent Residency

While PNG's immigration policies primarily focus on temporary employment, there are limited pathways to permanent residency for foreign nationals. Generally, individuals who have resided and worked in PNG for a significant period (typically 8-10 years) under valid work permits may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

The requirements for permanent residency include:

• Continuous residence in PNG for the required period.
• A clean criminal record.
• Demonstrated financial stability.
• A good understanding of PNG culture and customs.
• Support from the community and/or employer.

The application process for permanent residency is rigorous and involves thorough assessment by the ICA. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on various factors, including the applicant's contribution to PNG, their integration into society, and the prevailing immigration policies.

Dependent Visa Options

Foreign nationals working in PNG can sponsor certain family members to join them in the country. The following dependent visa options are typically available:

• Spouse Visa: Allows the spouse of a work permit holder to reside in PNG. The spouse may also be eligible to work, subject to obtaining their own work permit.
• Dependent Child Visa: Allows unmarried children under the age of 18 (or up to 25 if enrolled in full-time education) to reside in PNG with their parent.

The requirements for dependent visas include:

• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate).
• Financial capacity to support the dependents.
• Medical certificates.
• Police clearance certificates.
• Valid passport copies.

Dependent visa holders are generally not permitted to work in PNG unless they obtain their own work permits.

Visa Compliance Obligations for Employers and Employees

Both employers and employees have specific obligations to ensure compliance with PNG's visa regulations. Failure to comply can result in penalties, fines, and even deportation.

Employer Obligations:

• Ensure that all foreign employees have valid work permits and visas.
• Comply with labor market testing requirements.
• Provide accurate information in work permit applications.
• Notify the ICA of any changes in employment status (e.g., termination, resignation).
• Maintain records of foreign employees' visa and work permit details.
• Ensure employees comply with the terms and conditions of their visas.

Employee Obligations:

• Comply with the terms and conditions of their visa and work permit.
• Not engage in activities outside the scope of their work permit.
• Notify the ICA of any changes in personal circumstances (e.g., change of address, marital status).
• Maintain a valid passport and visa.
• Depart PNG before the expiry of their visa or work permit, unless an extension has been granted.

Obligation	Employer	Employee
Visa Validity	Ensure employees have valid visas and work permits.	Maintain a valid passport and visa.
Labor Market Testing	Comply with requirements.	N/A
Accurate Information	Provide accurate details in applications.	Provide accurate personal details.
Notification of Changes	Notify ICA of changes in employment status.	Notify ICA of changes in personal circumstances.
Record Keeping	Maintain records of visa and work permit details.	N/A
Compliance	Ensure employees comply with visa terms.	Comply with the terms of the visa and work permit.
Scope of Work	N/A	Not engage in activities outside the scope of the work permit.
Departure	N/A	Depart PNG before visa expiry, unless extended.