Office to set up stringent measures

 PNG Immigration will now apply more stringent screening measures on foreigners from eligible countries applying for visas on arrival, according to Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration Rimbink Pato.

He said that following an incident involving two foreign nationals who were allegedly assaulted by three men along the famous Kokoda track on  January 11. 

“This is to ensure that foreigners who come as tourists and receive visas on arrival are genuine tourists,” Pato said.

“They have adequate funds to support themselves and have a planned and coordinated tour itinerary.

“Whilst the matter is now a subject of police investigation to establish facts, I confirm from information provided by PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority (PNGICSA) that both Mathew Iovane, United Kingdom and Michelle Clemens, United States entered PNG through Jacksons International Airport on 6 January 2016 and were granted visitor visas.

“PNG ICSA is conducting their separate and independent investigation to assess if the tourists have provided factual information upon application for a grant of the relevant visa on arrival at the airport to ascertain the accuracy of allegations.”

 He said it was an immigration offence if information provided was not true in terms of the purposes of their visit.

“However, the PNGICSA inquiries are secondary to ongoing police investigations on claims of sexual assault.

“If police find that there is credible evidence to the crime as alleged, we will accord the necessary assistance for their return to the country to assist with further investigation and prosecution if necessary,” Pato said.