State gives illegal immigrants 30-day grace period

Source: The National,Monday 02nd April 2012 ILLEGAL immigrants have been given a 30-day grace period to surrender to officials and leave the country. The grace period is from March 26 to April 27. The National Executive Council has directed the Immigration and Citizenship Services to coordinate a task force team to investigate and remove illegal immigrants. It should also investigate the activities of foreigners engaged in questionable activities in the country. Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Ano Pala confirmed the council’s decision of Jan 17. Pala said in a public notice that the task force team would comprise highly-skilled investigators and intelligence officers. It would be supported by hand-picked officers from various agencies. The economic boom and rapid development had attracted an influx of foreigners and organised crime syndicates into the country. “PNG has recently witnessed some trend of transnational crimes happening within our shores such as human smuggling, money laundering, smuggling of counterfeit goods, smuggling of illegal firearms and drugs while our domestic front is faced with organised prostitution, brothels and pirated goods,” Pala said. “I strongly advice that any foreigner who comes into conflict with the established laws of the country and found guilty of a criminal offence would automatically have his or her entry permit cancelled and be directed to leave the country immediately.” He said any illegal immigrants or foreigners who overstayed would be deported from the country without facing any prosecution.