PNG Parliament passes tough vagrancy law to boost safety in Port Moresby

Papua New Guinea has taken a decisive step to address urban crime, with Parliament overwhelmingly passing the revised 2025 Vagrancy Act aimed at restoring order in Port Moresby and other key centres.

The legislation, introduced by National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, secured an 80–1 vote on Thursday evening, reflecting strong political backing for tougher measures against repeat offenders.

Speaking during the debate, Governor Parkop said the new law empowers the courts to declare habitual offenders as vagrants and issue exclusion orders requiring them to return to their home provinces for a specified period.

 PNG Parliament passes tough vagrancy law to boost safety in Port Moresby

He explained that individuals repeatedly involved in criminal activities or summary offences would be removed from urban areas to allow time for reflection and reform before returning.

The Governor also warned that those funding tribal conflicts, inciting violence, or fuelling ethnic tensions would face action under the new provisions.

He said the law would not only apply to Port Moresby but extend to other major towns such as Lae, Kokopo, Kimbe, Mount Hagen and Madang.

Governor Parkop clarified the law does not target people simply for being homeless or unemployed, stressing it focuses strictly on criminal behaviour.

He added that the law applies equally to all citizens, regardless of status, including leaders and public officials.

The courts will determine the duration of exclusion orders depending on the seriousness of offences, ranging from short-term restrictions to longer bans.

Governor Parkop said the new law complements ongoing initiatives such as the K20 million CCTV rollout, City Wardens, POM City Watch and neighbourhood policing programs.

“We must never compromise the security of our capital city. It is important for residents, for our country, and for our national image,” he said.

“We must learn to live together peacefully and respect each other in our urban communities. The intention is to build safe, peaceful, and orderly cities for all residents and visitors,” he said.