AUSTRALIANS SLAPPED WITH PNG VISA BAN The days of Australians receiving visas on arrival to PNG are over, with the government in Port Moresby deciding to tighten the rules from March 1. Papua New Guinea has officially banned visas on arrival for all Australian visitors, after the Abbott government refused to return the favour to their nearest neighbour. From March 1, all Australians wanting a visitor, short-term single entry or restricted employment visa must apply through their nearest PNG consulate before setting off. Last month PNG Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato said the changes would apply to anyone who is not a tourist, but it appears that exemption no longer stands. All international airlines have been notified not to let Australians without visas on board flights to PNG, and those that somehow do will be immediately flown out. Details of the ban were outlined in an official statement signed off by PNGs chief migration officer Mataio Rabura, and confirmed by the PNG Consulate General in Sydney. It comes after PNG decided to revoke the service for Australians last December, following bilateral talks in Canberra between Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Mr Pato. But they decided to wait before enforcing the ban so the Abbott government could reconsider its response, and so Australians with travel plans werent inconvenienced. However, it appears Ms Bishops trip to Port Moresby earlier this month failed to resolve the impasse, with PNG Prime Minister Peter ONeills request for a visa waiver scheme again rebuffed. After the visit by ... Julie Bishop, MP, during which the Prime Minister reiterated PNGs desire for Australia to reciprocate its visa on arrival facility, and the response of maintaining the status quo, the governments decision to ban the visa on arrival facility to Australian passport holders will now be enforced, the statement read. Under the terms of the ban, Australians on cruise ships or those flying in or out of PNG to board or depart a liner dont need to apply beforehand because their visas are granted electronically. Those transiting for less than eight hours also dont require a visa, but must remain within the airport. Comment has been sought from Ms Bishops office.
Posted on: Tue, 25 Feb 2014 13:35:06 +0000
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