By Dalcy LULUA
THE Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority (ICSA) has officially launched a new digital platform that integrates work permits and working resident visas into a single application.
The Sponsor Portal is a web-based interface designed for private sector companies employing foreign nationals. It allows them to submit both work permit and working resident visa applications through a single, streamlined digital process.
Acting Chief Migration Officer, Wellington Navasivu, explained that the Sponsor Portal provides businesses with an efficient way to submit combined work permit and employment visa applications online. The portal directly interfaces with ICSA’s Border Management System (BMS), enabling users to input data and pay the necessary Migration Service Fee (MSF) from their office, anytime, anywhere, eliminating the need for physical visits to an Immigration Office.
The portal also significantly improves processing times and enhances customer service by allowing sponsors to track the status of applications and interact with ICSA through the system.
Mr. Navasivu further noted that the Sponsor Portal places responsibility back on employers, giving them direct oversight of their foreign employees, including receiving alerts when visas are nearing expiration.
The Acting CMO highlighted that the Sponsor Portal will eventually phase out traditional work permits, with the final outcome being a working resident visa. Users of the portal will no longer receive a separate work permit letter and ID card; instead, they will be issued a working resident visa, granting them legal entry and employment rights in the country.
Mr. Navasivu emphasized that the launch of the Sponsor Portal marks the completion of the merger of work permits with visas, representing a significant milestone for ICSA and the government in advancing their one-stop-shop initiative to facilitate business operations in the country.
Access to the Portal on the immigration website (www.ica.gov.pg) requires a one-time registration fee of USD 25. Additionally, a USD 75 online administration fee applies per application, along with the standard Migration Service Fee for each submission.
