PNG Immigration and Citizenship Services (ICSA) and Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on mutual co-operation to improve visa services for tourist to enter the country.
ICSA and TPA signed a milestone MoU with the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) on mutual co-operation and data sharing that will enable promotion of the tourism sector and immigration services.
The signing formally establishes a genuine partnership between the two agencies to ensure their mandates are delivered; one is responsible for facilitating genuine movements of people and the other is responsible for promoting tourism activities that directly benefits the local economy.
Acting chief migration officer Wellington Navasivu said the two agencies have realised the importance of working together for the fact that they have similar functions especially when dealing with the tourists.
“Having an MoU is a way forward and now that it has been signed, implementation will take effect immediately.”
Unlike working in isolation in the past years and faced with a lot of challenges, ICSA and TPA will now work together where necessary to ensure proper facilitation of the tourist entering and exiting PNG.
As an implementing agency, ICSA has implemented government’s decision to remove the visa fees giving visa-on-arrival for all the tourists entering PNG.
As a result, there is increase in the number of tourists visiting PNG every year and that directly supports the economy through tourism sector.
Mr Navasivu praised TPA and its chief executive officer Eric Uvovo for his leadership and extended gratitude to all staff members from both agencies who have worked tirelessly to complete this MoU.
Mr Uvovo highlighted the importance of the partnership.
“This MoU supports our goal at TPA to position Papua New Guinea as a premier global tourist destination,” he said.
“By aligning our efforts with ICSA, we can provide a seamless travel experience for international visitors, strengthening our shared commitment in making Papua New Guinea an attractive tourist and investment destination.”
He said that such collaboration is vital and needed by all government departments and agencies to work together for effective services delivery towards economic growth.
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