Immigration collects K1mil in fines

A TOTAL of K1 million in fines was collected in three days in New Ireland after the Immigration and Citizenship Authority special operations team conducted spot checks at seven locations along the Buluminski Highway.
Immigration and Citizenship Authority Chief Migration Officer Stanis Hulahau said: “42 expatriates were checked and processed by the team.
“Among the 42 was a man from China who tried to bribe police officers to release him, he actually handed over K500, but the officers refused the money and brought him in with the team.
“All of the 42 men were from three companies in Namatanai in the Konoagil and Sentral New Ireland local level government areas.
“30 of the 42 were fined for various breaches of their visas and work permits.
“Most of the heavy machineries and light vehicles are unregistered. It is alleged the vehicles were not brought in via proper processes and may not have been checked by Customs.
“The team conducted compliance spot checks in Lemakot, Lakurumau, Konos and Namatanai township.
“Logging sites covered to date are Karu, Muliama and Kumim in the West Coast Konoagil of Namatanai.
“It appears that the shipment of logs are not checked or cleared by relevant authorities such as National Forestry and Customs prior to departure at the logging sites.
“The team even made several checks in Kavieng town.”
“This compliance checks are to ensure that expatriates who wish to do business within New Ireland and PNG adhere to our laws.”
Due to bad weather, the team aborted their travel itinerary to Bagatare in Tikana council ward and Lavongai and Murat council wards, but they will return to complete their inspection.
“We plan to conduct another operation in the future and we need logistical support from the provincial government,” he said.