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THE country’s labour and employment
structure and laws are ineffective in dealing with concerns of illegal
workers and concerted effort is needed to make them more effective.
Secretary for Labour and Employment David Tibu said.
Mr Tibu urged for all government departments and line agencies to
tighten up on enforcement of the country’s labour laws.
He had said that lack of proper coordination and communication between
line agencies had seen the Labour Department facing an uphill battle in
effectively addressing labour issues.
Mr Tibu made the remarks amid recent concerns of illegal workers raised
by national staff of a company operating in Southern Highlands and other
labour issues raised by government, civil society and business houses
that require foreign expertise.
Staff of the company (named) had last year brought their concerns to the
department and after investigation, the company was fined K300,000 for
breaching PNG labour laws and allowing foreigners who had come in on
business visas to work fulltime illegally.
“It is my job to ensure that all foreign companies working in the
country, including local companies adhere to our labour laws.
“If a company is illegally allowing workers in their operations, I will
penalise the individuals and the company.
“If the company is fined but continues to carry out the same activity, I
will not hesitate to cancel its licence,” Mr Tibu said.
Meanwhile, the Labour Department has suggested new legislation that is
now before NEC for approval.
If approved, the legislation will see a restructure of the whole
department and address issues of lack of staff and better coordination
between Departments of Labour, Foreign affairs and immigration.
It will also spell out clearly certain occupations that are prohibited
to foreigners under the new legislation.
President of Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry Allan McLay welcomed
the move saying the ‘process needed to be reviewed’. |
