DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Lands and Immigration John Rosso has presented citizenship certificates and approval documents.
He said part of 59 approved applicants, of these, 5 sought dual citizenship, 26 applied for naturalization, and 28 required approval for dual citizenship with other countries.
“Among the 22 recipients, 8 are West Papuans, and 25 of the 26 naturalized citizens are West Papuans.
The Deputy Prime Minister welcomed everyone to the ceremony, celebrating the successful completion of the citizenship application process.
He emphasized that citizenship grants rights but also responsibilities, stressing respect for the laws and being productive citizens.
“Some of the naturalized and dual citizens have been in PNG for many years, and the event merely formalizes what they and others have always known—that they are truly Papua New Guinean at heart.
“Citizens with dual citizenship to continue contributing meaningfully to the country,” Mr Rosso said.
He said that currently, the prescribed list of countries with which PNG has dual citizenship arrangements are Australia, Fiji, Germany, New Zealand, Samoa, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Vanuatu.
“The Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority is working on amendments to the
Citizenship Act, to include more countries in our prescribed list of countries for dual citizenship.
“We are also working on changes to make re-gaining or resumption of citizenship for genuine Papua New Guineans, easier,” Deputy PM said.
He added that all this is being considered while still ensuring that the citizenship process, which is a constitutional one, is effective and robust.
“When you recite the Declaration of Loyalty to PNG today, you will promise to
Uphold the Constitution and the laws of this country. I ask that you take that oath seriously.
“A country is only as good as its people,” Mr Rosso said.