By Staycey Yalo, EMTV News, Port Moresby
168 companies operated by foreigners in Port Moresby have failed to tax and have employed foreign workers without proper government documents like work permits.
This was revealed through a 2-week joint operation headed by the PNG Immigration & Citizenship Services Authority.
Minister, Petrus Thomas said the operation is past a wake-up call for foreign businesses to operate under PNG Laws.
While congratulating the team involved in the two weeks operation, Minister Thomas also wants similar operations in the future to clamp down on illegal activities by foreigners in the country.
“This is just the tip of an iceberg. There are a lot of illegal activities in Port Moresby and for the past two weeks; we have brought a few to surface. Many of these foreign businesses have grown roots deep within the department as well and it will be a challenge but we must do our job,” he said.
At the meantime, a particular shop had K53,000 in cash that was unbanked.
Deputy Chief Migration Officer of Compliance & Boarders Division, Dino Mas, said a report will be compiled and distributed to stakeholders, and the foreign suspects to be apprehended for questioning.
The joint government team comprised of Labour Department, PNG Customs, Censorship Board, Bank of PNG, Royal PNG Constabulary and NCDC Compliance Unit.
