Illegal expats held, face deportation

 By JUNIOR UKAHA

TEN foreigners face deportation after they were detained by the Task Force Rausim Alien in Lae for breaching visa conditions.

It is part of the task force’s operation to identify expatriates who are staying illegally in the Morobean capital.

One of the men was questioned by task force officers over the possession of an unlicensed firearm – a M16 rifle which also had live ammunition. 

Six of them were of Bangladesh origin and four were Chinese nationals. 

Rausim Alien coordinator John Bria said the foreigners had breached their visa and work permit conditions.

They were charged with failing to comply with visa obligation and remaining in the country without valid visas.

They will also be issued “infringement notices” by the Department of Labour under the Employment of Non-Citizens Act.

They are likely to be fined K15,000 each and the companies employing them fined K45,000 each.