THE Immigration and Citizenship Services Authority has awarded 166 people with citizenship certificates on Friday at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby.
Their applications were deliberated by the Citizenship Advisory Committee in May and November last year and in May and August this year. And approved by the Minister.
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister Lands, Physical Planning, Immigration and Border Security John Rosso approved their citizenship and welcome the new members into the country.
He thanked them for their contributions to the nation and urged them to abide by the laws of the country and continue their positive work in building the country forward.
Fifty-eight are dual citizens, 46 are Papua New Guineans seeking approval to hold dual citizenship with one of the eight prescribed countries, and 62 are naturalised Papua New Guineas of which 53 are West Papuans. Three were young men, the first to be granted dual citizenship under the Sportsperson pathway and will represent PNG in the sport of basketball in the future international competitions.
He said for most of the recipient it has been a long journey from the day they lodged their citizenship applications until they receive their certificates and approved documents.
“I command the efforts of the Citizenship Advisory Committee (CAC) who have been working tirelessly to clear the backlog of applications to date.
“I congratulate the citizenship recipients from the four respective CAC hearings held last year and this year.”
Mr. Rosso said the ceremony coincides with PNG’s 50th independence celebrations.
“To commemorate this significant event, the certificates and approval documents each of you will receive, bear the logo of the 50th anniversary.”
Mr Rosso said as a young public servant, he was serving along the borders of the West Papua, in 1985 and encountered more than 500 West Papuan refugee coming across the border from the West Papua province of Indonesia. He said he was pleased to present them the certificates that now recognize them as PNG citizens.
The Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority (ICSA) is currently working on legislative amendments to streamline and make the qualification criteria for citizenship under select pathways more relevant.
He also mention that Lady Emeline Dadae, the wife of Governor General Sir Bob Dadae, received her citizenship in absentia and has sent her congratulations to her fellow recipients.
Mr Rosso said receiving a citizenship is a privilege that gives them the rights like every other Papua New Guineans but it comes with responsibilities.
“As citizens, you must respect the laws of Papua New Guinea and continue to contribute meaningfully to our country,” he said. “I trust that you will commit yourselves to our country’s values, culture and Constitution.”
Many recipients shed tears and cheered with their family members and acknowledge the Government of PNG for accepting them into the nation of the thousand tribes.
