Deputy Prime Minister, John Rosso has granted Papua New Guinea citizenship to 166 people this month.
Rosso said in a statement that this citizenship ceremony coincided with the country’s 50th Jubilee Anniversary Independence celebrations.
He said to commemorate this significant event, the certificates and approval documents were presented to each of the recipients.
This is a one-time special issuance, which will also be issued to other successful recipients until the end of this 50th Anniversary year.
“From the list of 166 recipients, 58 are dual citizens, 46 are Papua New Guineans seeking approval to hold dual citizenship with one of the eight prescribed countries, and 62 are naturalized Papua New Guineans-of which 53 are West Papuans,” Rosso, who is also responsible for the Ministry for Immigration and Border Security, said.
“I am pleased that from the successful dual citizenship recipients, that three young men are the first to be granted dual citizenship under the Sport person pathway and will represent PNG in the sport of basketball in future international competitions.”
“It is also pleasing that Lady Emeline Dadae is on the list of naturalization recipients. Lady Emeline is the wife of our Governor General, Sir Bob Dadae.” Rosso said.
He mentioned that all the recipients applied for citizenship and dual citizenship were interviewed and had their applications deliberated on by the Citizenship Advisory Committee in May and November last year, and in May and August this year.
He presented PNG citizenship certificates, approval documents, and passports to a good number of recipients during the citizenship ceremony at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby last week Friday.
Deputy Prime Minister reminded the recipients that citizenship is a privilege.
“It provides you with rights, and comes with responsibilities. As citizens, you must respect the laws of Papua New Guinea and continue to contribute meaningfully to our country,”
Rosso congratulated the 166 recipients and others who were not present.
“I trust that you will commit yourselves to our country’s values, culture and Constitution.
Rosso commended the efforts of the Citizenship Advisory Committee (CAC) who have been working tirelessly to clear the backlog of applications to date, the Chief Migration Officer, and the staff of the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority (ICSA).
He said ICSA is currently working on legislative amendments to streamline and make them qualification criteria for citizenship under select pathways more relevant and accessible.
