Foreign Business Owners fined for Operating Cash Registry in PNG

Foreigners who operate retail businesses in Papua New Guinea should not work at the cash registry or as shop assistant, Chief Migration Officer Mr. Stanis Hulahau warned.

“I want to educate our people so they must report to authorities if they see foreign nationals operating cash registry and working as shop assistant,” Mr Hulahau says. “This jobs are reserved for Papua New Guineans and are not allowed to be performed by a non-citizen.”

Foreign Business Owners fined for Operating Cash Registry in PNG . Photo Supplied 

Mr Hulahau says foreign nationals are required to work in specialised skilled jobs and in senior managerial positions at retail outlets and that were the requirements and conditions set under their entry permits. They should not be engaged as security guards, cashier, shop assistant or cleaners. 

“It frustrates me to hear reports that foreign retail owners are working as cashiers. They have been doing that for sometimes and taught they would profit from the lack of compliance from government authorities. They would not this time under my watch,” Mr Hulahau warned.

He made this remarks after Immigration enforcement officers and Police apprehended seven foreign nationals over the weekend at retail shops at 9mile, Erima and Boroko in Port Moresby who were sitting at the cash registry and serving customers. All 7 were fined K5,000 each for breaching their visa conditions under the Migration Act.

“I am happy that people are starting to come out and report issues concerning foreign employment, visa discrepancies and over stayers. Our people are frustrated and willing to report but they need authorities to take action and that is what I am exercising under my leadership,” the CMO says.

The foreign nationals apprehended were cautioned, fined and released. The Migration Act prohibited foreign nationals to occupy jobs reserves for PNG nationals. Mr Hulahau reminded foreign nationals that their visa was issued for specific jobs and they should not come down to perform roles nationals can do.

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