By Jack Lapauve Jr – EM TV News, Port Moresby
The delay in issuing a dependent visa to a wife of a Lutheran missionary in Enga province has upset Enga Governor, Sir Peter Ipatas.
Governor Ipatas said the Foreign Affairs Department has not acted according to their promise to allow the return of the missionary’s wife.
The Enga Governor said it insults him to see dedicated people being prohibited from entering the country.
Sir Peter Ipatas expressed concern that the Foreign Affairs Department must comply standards when issuing of visas.
“No one in the right mind will stop genuine missionaries to come and help develop our people”, Sir Ipatas said.
He said if the Foreign Affairs Minister Rimbink Pato is not addressing the matter, he will take legal steps. “Im taking this matter to the Ombudsman Commission and also seek legal advice on the matter”, Ipatas said.
The wife of Lutheran missionary Todd Luedtke, Jan Luedtke, was assured by PNG Immigration officials of a dependent visa but has been advised by the PNG Embassy in US that clearance has not been granted by PNG Immigration.
Ipatas has sought help from Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill for the second time for this same case.
