PNG sends back Solomon Islands students because they hold tourism visas
Some Solomon Islands Students who arrived in PNG for studies have been sent back by PNG Immigration Officials after they discovered that the students traveled under tourist visas, the Solomon Star reports.
It is understood that more than 10 students travelling to begin their studies at various universities in PNG were affected.
“They boarded Air Niugini bound to PNG on Monday but were stopped by the PNG immigration officers on their arrival at the airport because they hold tourism visas,” a source told the Solomon Star.
“The immigration department at the airport advised them to return and obtain student visas to allow them stay in PNG for a year.
“On Tuesday morning they sent them back and their return tickets were paid for by Solomon Islands high commission oin PNG.
“They slept overnight at the high commissioner’s residence.
“When they arrived back in Honiara they found out that their names were registered in the high commission’s system but not approved by the PNG immigration,” the source revealed.
He confirmed that the students were advised by NTU to travel on tourism visas.
“But it violates the PNG immigration policy, so they have to send them back to Honiara.”
The source claimed that the main cause of the visa delay was the student attaché failed to lodge the students’ visa application in time.
He said the National Training Unit should have liaised on behalf of the students for their visas.
The PNG High Commission in Honiara referred calls made to their office to the NTU, which has failed to replay questions sent to them via email.
Solomon Star
Some Solomon Islands Students who arrived in PNG for studies have been sent back by PNG Immigration Officials after they discovered that the students traveled under tourist visas, the Solomon Star reports.It is understood that more than 10 students travelling to begin their studies at various universities in PNG were affected.
“They boarded Air Niugini bound to PNG on Monday but were stopped by the PNG immigration officers on their arrival at the airport because they hold tourism visas,” a source told the Solomon Star.
“The immigration department at the airport advised them to return and obtain student visas to allow them stay in PNG for a year.
“On Tuesday morning they sent them back and their return tickets were paid for by Solomon Islands high commission oin PNG.
“They slept overnight at the high commissioner’s residence.
“When they arrived back in Honiara they found out that their names were registered in the high commission’s system but not approved by the PNG immigration,” the source revealed.
He confirmed that the students were advised by NTU to travel on tourism visas.
“But it violates the PNG immigration policy, so they have to send them back to Honiara.”
The source claimed that the main cause of the visa delay was the student attaché failed to lodge the students’ visa application in time.
He said the National Training Unit should have liaised on behalf of the students for their visas.
The PNG High Commission in Honiara referred calls made to their office to the NTU, which has failed to replay questions sent to them via email.
Solomon Star
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