K440,000 in fines issued

By REBECCA KUKU
A TOTAL of K440,000 has been paid for work permit infringements by seven companies in Madang after recent spot checks on passports, visa and work permits by a joint task force.
The joint task force team comprising officers from the Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA), the Department of Labour and Police did spot checks in Madang last week visiting foreign owned companies in Bogia, Bundi, Ramu and Madang town.
ICA work permit inspector Mark Tavukuin told The National that a total of K440,000 was collected for work permit infringements served on seven companies in Madang.
“The infringements were for breaches of the Employment of Non-Citizens Act 2007 and Regulations 2008,” he said.
Joint task force operations team leader John Bria said that similar operations were being run in other parts of the country.
“Whilst we respect people, investors who are coming into the country to do business, businesses that provide employment for our people and supports communities, these people, investors must also respect the laws of our country,” he said.
“We are not trying to shut businesses down, we are only here to check if they are compliant with the laws of our country.”
Bria said that the operation was carried out in partnership with the Labour Department and Police as well as the media for transparency.
“For police, we brought in officers from various directorates including the IIU, Fraud Squad and CID (Criminal Investigation Division),” he said.
“We also have media officers from the mainstream media, so when we do spot checks on companies, we all hold ourselves accountable.”
Bria thanked Chief Migration Officer Stanis Hulahau for putting together the task force and sending them out to do checks.
“Under the leadership of our CMO, we have been able to ensure that those who come into our country respect our laws and comply with the laws.”