PNG Moves to Tighten Borders Following Alleged Human Trafficking Case

A police operation in Port Moresby involving 39 Indonesian nationals has prompted PNG Immigration and Border Security Minister William Bando to call for stronger action against human trafficking and other cross-border crimes.

The Indonesians were rescued on Tuesday from a residential property in downtown Port Moresby where police allege they had been held against their will. Four Chinese nationals are in custody as investigators examine an alleged trafficking and people-smuggling network.

Mr Bando said the Government would set up a special investigation task force to pursue the case and examine the wider activities of those allegedly connected to the network.

He said the exploitation of people, including hiding them in homes and using them as cheap labour, could also be linked to other criminal activities.

The minister warned foreign nationals involved in trafficking or assisting criminal networks that they could face visa cancellation, deportation and exclusion from PNG.

He said the country’s territory and immigration system must not be exploited as a route for organised criminal operations across the region.

According to Mr Bando, intelligence available to authorities had identified allegations of organised criminal activity involving human trafficking, illegal logging, illegal alluvial mining and money laundering.

He said there were also concerns about government institutions being used to enable some of these activities.

Foreign investors and workers were reminded that operating in PNG came with an obligation to comply with local laws.

“Failure to do so will result in detention, prosecution and removal,” he said.

Mr Bando also turned his attention to Papua New Guineans working within government agencies, warning immigration, customs and police personnel against assisting criminal groups.

Officials found participating in such activities, he said, would face prosecution.

The minister said weaknesses in border and immigration systems had to be addressed to prevent criminal organisations from exploiting existing gaps.

He said planned measures would include stronger border controls, changes to immigration policy and tougher penalties for people in positions of trust who conspired to facilitate criminal operations.

Mr Bando said he would further push for the introduction of a national migration policy and a comprehensive review of the Immigration Act 1978 to strengthen PNG’s immigration framework and border security.

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