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PgPapua New Guinea Visas
& Permits.

Population

11,781,559

Languages

1.

English

2.

Hiri Motu

Country Capital

Port Moresby

Currency

Kina (PGK)

Your international business will likely include citizens from your country of expansion, but you may send current employees abroad as well. When you have nonnational employees, you need the proper documentation for them to live and work overseas.

Types of Work Visas in Papua New Guinea

The country offers a few types of business and work visas. As an international employer, you’ll likely be concerned with three types, which include:

  • Employment visas: This documentation is for any nonnational looking to work in the country. The length of this visa and individual requirements will vary base on the nature of employment.
  • Restricted employment visas: This visa type is for nonnationals with specialized or technical skills not available in the country. This visa is only allowed for short-term positions. Visa holders must only stay for 30 days or less at a time, and they can enter the country four times over a 12-month period.
  • Business visas: If you plan to travel to Papua New Guinea to conduct business negotiations, attend meetings, or explore investment opportunities as a noncitizen, you’ll need this visa.

Requirements to Obtain Papua New Guinea Work Visas

As an employer, it’s your responsibility to guide your international employees through the work visa process. There a few essential items applicants will need to include with their application, and you should confirm they have them. Items include:

  • A valid passport.
  • A letter of employment.
  • A doctor’s certificate.
  • A police statement of character from the country of origin.
  • A work permit letter of approval.

As the employer, you’ll need to provide a letter of employment for your applicant. The doctor’s certificate should prove that the applicant is in good health, and the applicant should also have a copy of their passport photo to attach to the form.

Work permits are separate documents from a work visa. If an employee works with a visa but not a work permit, the government will consider their employment unlawful.

Application Process

Before an applicant starts the process of getting a work visa, they should obtain a work permit from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Employees must apply before they enter the country. Requirements include items like:

  • A signed employment contract.
  • A curriculum vitae.
  • A copy of the job description.
  • A copy of the certificate of incorporation for the hiring company.

Much like the visa process, the work permit process will require assistance from the employer.

Once the applicant receives their work permit, they can submit the appropriate work visa application with attachments to the Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA). They should submit all materials to their nearest consulate. Once they have approval, the visa holder can enter the country and begin working as a legal employee.

Other Important Considerations

When an employee’s work visa is about to expire, they can file for an extension to continue working in the country. They may be denied this extension depending on the nature of their work.

If a work visa holder intends on staying in Papua New Guinea for a long-term period, they can apply for permanent residence. This documentation only applies to specific groups of people, including specialized workers and spouses of citizens. If this option is available to an applicant, they may want to consider permanent residence for potential benefits.

Partner With G-P

As you navigate expansion to Papua New Guinea, you’ll want an experienced global PEO on your side. With our help, you can simplify your global expansion and focus on growth right away. Reach out to G-P today to learn more.

Disclaimer

THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. You should always consult with and rely on your own legal and/or tax advisor(s). G-P does not provide legal or tax advice. The information is general and not tailored to a specific company or workforce and does not reflect G-P’s product delivery in any given jurisdiction. G-P makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information and shall have no liability arising out of or in connection with it, including any loss caused by use of, or reliance on, the information.

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