Iranian refugee still in custody in PNG after Fiji deportation

Loghman Sawari in Fiji. Photo: Behrouz Boochani

Iranian national Loghman Sawari remains in the custody of the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority as an investigation continues into his trip to Fiji.

Mr Sawari had travelled to Fiji on a PNG passport it's alleged he had obtained fraudulently.
Fijian authorities deported Mr Sawari back to Papua New Guinea last Friday.

Acting Chief Migration Officer, Solomon Kantha, said, despite travelling to Fiji, Mr Sawari continues to be recognized as a refugee by PNG under its international obligations.
Mr Kantha said the refugee made several false and misleading statements about his identity to more than one agency to obtain a PNG passport.

He said the investigation will determine the next course of action, which will also involve proper consideration of his mental health and claims of persecution in his home country.

Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Rimbink Pato did not rule out criminal prosecution.
Meanwhile, Mr Pato said the Immigration Authority is tightening the assessment of passports, with the possible inclusion of biometric checks through facial recognition software. He said checking of all travellers identity is important in ensuring aviation security as well as securing easier access of PNG citizens into other countries.
NBC News / PNG Today