More than 150 foreign nationals have been detained for breaching their Visa conditions and are staying at a detention centre in Port Moresby, awaiting their deportation.
In a historic illegal mining raid jointly carried out this week by PNG Immigration and Police in Morobe’s Wau-Waria netted 105 foreign nationals.
They were extracted to Port Moresby for deportation to their country of origin, according to the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority (ICSA).
Another group of the same nationals were arrested on a road when evading the raid. This has increased the number to 150 who are being detained at Bomana Immigration detention centre. https://www.thenational.com.pg/over-100-expatriate-miners-arrested-in-morobe/
In a media statement, ICSA has confirmed they were involved in illegal alluvial mining.
They were arrested at five illegal mining sites along the Sambio River in Wau-Waria District.
Chief Migration Officer Wellington Navasivu said the suspects arrived in the city yesterday (Tuesday) and are being held at the centre awaiting deportation.
He said the group breached the Migration Act and the Employment of Non-Citizens Act, including working without permits and providing false information.
Mr Navasivu said the company and sponsors responsible will face penalties. He assured that those deported will not be allowed to return.
ICSA reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing PNG’s immigration laws.