Papua New Guinea work visa

ICA lists the employee's passport bio page, an updated CV, the job description, certified qualifications, the employment contract signed by both sides, two recent colour passport photos, the employee's right thumb print, professional registration and English proficiency where relevant, the employer's certificate of incorporation from the Investment Promotion Authority, the fee receipt, a police clearance, a medical report including X-ray, and a maintenance guarantee bond signed and stamped by the employer.

A police certificate is required for every applicant aged 16 or over staying six months or more, and the medical documentation can include an HIV test and chest X-ray for applicants over 16, on ICA's prescribed forms.

The working resident type includes the employment class (six months to three years), short-term employment for six months or less, business person or investor, and consultant or specialist for stays up to 90 days. Each costs USD 380, with extensions at USD 700 and late extensions at USD 1,350. Work permit fees are set in a separate schedule.

Since ICA merged work permits and work visas, employers apply for both through the online Sponsor Portal or at an ICA office. The employer or nominated agent registers as a sponsor, submits the work permit and employment visa applications together and pays the work permit fee and the migration service fee at the time of submission.

A spouse, unmarried children under 18 and ageing parents must each make a separate application for a dependent entry permit (USD 40). De facto partners provide statutory declarations from both parties and an undertaking not to seek employment. A dependent permit ends when the principal's permit ends.

ICA's entry permit form explains that under the Employment of Non-Citizens Act 2007, administered by the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations, a non-citizen may not take up any employment, paid or unpaid, without prior approval. Anyone who works without approval may have the visa cancelled and can be prosecuted and deported; labour inspectors carry out regular checks. Work visa holders must not be absent from PNG for more than six months, or they need a new entry permit with fresh health and character checks.