Deportation hits 149 as Morobe Immigration crackdown continues

The joint operation currently underway by the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority and the Lae Police National Criminal Investigations Unit officers [NCIU], to crackdown on foreign nationals breaching PNG laws, has now seen a total of 149 foreign nationals apprehended.

According to the Lae Metropolitan Commander, Chief Superintendent Chris Kunyanban, after the 105 were flown out of Lae for Port Moresby yesterday, 28 others were apprehended last night (Wednesday, 29th October) and another 16 were apprehended in the early hours this morning [Thursday, 30th October], bringing the total to 149 persons.

"Police are basically providing security alongside the Immigration officers in this operation. We also have the proper lawful gazzetted cells here to hold people if they breach our laws, till they face the courts or be deployed as in this case," Kunyanban pointed out.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Lands and Immigrations and Member for Lae John Rosso, this is an ongoing operation.

"This is part of a broader national effort to ensure compliance with Papua New Guinea’s immigration and labor laws, and if you're a law abiding foreign national, then you have nothing to worry about, " Rosso said.

This second deportation of foreign nationals is the highest out of Lae this year, with the number likely to increase in the following days.