Officers trained on escort

 THE Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority has completed five weeks of international security escort training for Immigration, police and Correctional Service officers.

Acting Chief Migration officer Solomon Kantha in a statement said the training focused on techniques to manage the removal of people, ensuring the orderly, safe and dignified departure of unlawful non-citizen. 

“Delivering skills in risk-management, the application of various lawful and reasonable levels of force required in different situations, and effective liaison with airlines and law enforcement authorities, the training was a first for PNG,” Kantha said.

“We can keep our border secure by ensuring that we understand our powers and use them lawfully and effectively.

“This will enable the PNG Immigration and its partner agencies to actively and effectively enforce the Migration Act.”

The training was provided by C5 Security Services and funded by the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection. 

“I hope to have the units of competency recognised in PNG as we plan to transfer the training skills to key staff, and ensure staff are subject to regular refresher training and re-certification,” Kantha said. 

He said the changes also provided for a reasonable use of force where required to achieve the outcomes. 

“A small number (foreign nationals) breach our laws by overstaying, entering unlawfully, engaging in visa fraud, or committing other offences in PNG.”