Four (4) naturalised citizens and 138 West Papuans have become citizens of Papua New Guinea.
Acting Chief Migration Officer, Solomon Kantha, is proud that the current Government is the first to take steps to see West Papuans get legal status in Papua New Guinea.
He also acknowledged the government for doing away with the K10,000 citizenship fee for West Papuan refugees.
The Citizenship Certificate Ceremony was a small but significant ceremony at the Sir John Guise Stadium Indoor Complex this morning in the Nation’s capital.
Present included officers from the Immigration & Citizen Service Authority, PNG Citizenship Advisory Committee and the Board, recipients, family and friends.
Acting Chief Migration Officer, Solomon Kantha, said the 4 naturalised citizens who originate from China, United States and Philippines have already contributed immensely to PNG.
For the larger group of West Papuans, he acknowledged their resilience without government support and also acknowledged their contribution towards nation building.
Naturalised citizen Stephen Dunran expressed gratitude.
Notably absent from the Ceremony was the Minister responsible. Mr Kantha said the Department of Foreign Affairs and Immigration will work on getting the citizenship certificates signed and issue passports as well.
