Immigration Minister warns foreigners over human trafficking

Immigration and Border Security Minister William Bando has warned foreigners in Papua New Guinea to respect the country’s laws, following the discovery of an alleged human trafficking operation in Port Moresby.

The warning comes after police rescued 39 Indonesian nationals who were allegedly being held against their will at a residential property in downtown Port Moresby on Tuesday.

Four Chinese nationals have been detained as police investigate the alleged trafficking and people-smuggling operation.

Minister Bando said he was concerned about the incident and would establish a special investigation task force to investigate the alleged network and those involved.

He said the trafficking of people, including concealing them in residential areas and exploiting them for cheap labour or other criminal activities, was a serious concern.

Bando warned that foreigners found to be connected to trafficking networks or involved in facilitating such activities could face visa cancellation, deportation and bans from entering Papua New Guinea.

He said the country must not become a transit point for transnational criminal activities in the region.

The Minister also claimed he had received intelligence reports about various illegal activities allegedly involving organised criminal groups, including human trafficking, illegal logging, illegal alluvial mining, money laundering and the use of state agencies to facilitate such activities.

He warned foreigners who are investing or working in Papua New Guinea to respect the country’s laws.

“Failure to do so will result in detention, prosecution and removal,” he said.

Bando also warned Papua New Guineans, including public servants in immigration, customs and police, against becoming involved in such activities.

He said those found to be involved would face criminal prosecution.

The Minister acknowledged weaknesses in the country’s border and immigration systems, saying these vulnerabilities could be exploited by criminal networks.

He said the Government would focus on strengthening national security measures, including border control and immigration policies, as well as tougher penalties for people in positions of trust who conspire to facilitate criminal activities.

Bando also said he would push for a national migration policy and a comprehensive review of the Immigration Act 1978 to address gaps and strengthen the protection of PNG’s borders.